High School Students Make Phoenix’s First Smoke-Free Park a Reality

(Phoenix, Ariz.)  —  What began as a group of high school students wanting to stand up for change, is now making history.

Phoenix Vice Mayor Daniel Valenzuela is excited to announce that El Oso Park located at 3451 N. 75th Ave., is the city’s first smoke-free public park. The effort is in partnership with student leaders from the STAND Youth Commission and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

The two-year pilot program is the culmination of years of work. In 2013, students from Trevor G. Browne High School reached out to Vice Mayor Valenzuela’s office to create a smoke-free park near their school. From there, the Vice Mayor made this project a priority, reaching out to various city departments who worked together to find a way to make it happen. 

“I’m honored to have the responsibility to lead our city’s #FitPHX program, an initiative with the goal of creating the healthiest city in the country. I am a big believer in public health and youth empowerment,” Vice Mayor Valenzuela said. “This pilot program will play a critical role as we consider making other parks across our city smoke free. I applaud these student leaders for stepping forward and making a difference in our community.”

In addition to researching best practices and the city’s policy process, the students organized park clean-ups, presented their proposal to the city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board and met with various city leaders. 

For more information on #FitPHX visit phoenix.gov/fitphx. To contact the District 5 office, call 602-262-7446 or visit phoenix.gov/district5.