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On June 12, 2002, the City of Ellsworth joined the other cities in the state that have prohibited the use of tobacco on their playing fields. The Ellsworth Recreation Commission approved an ordinance to prohibit the use of tobacco products at all of the city’s recreation facilities including all athletic fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds, as well as boat landings that are under recreation commission jurisdiction.

There were many factors contributing to the approval of the new ordinance. Not only is it an effort to reduce nonsmokers’ exposure to the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke, but also to prevent youth from observing adults and older youth using tobacco, the number one preventable cause of death.

"The Ellsworth Recreation Commission is committed to providing recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life as well as provide safe environments for the citizens of Ellsworth", says Mark Hundhammer, chair of the Rec. Commission. "Allowing children and other nonsmokers to be exposed to secondhand smoke is contrary to our purpose."

The Downeast Family YMCA took the first steps towards making the fields tobacco free years ago. According to Shane Lowell, Downeast Family YMCA Athletic Director, the YMCA has been asking spectators to refrain from using tobacco at Y events held at the fields as well as on the YMCA campus for years now and over the last couple of years have strictly enforced the policy.

Keeping the fields clean is another benefit that will be achieved through preventing tobacco use at the athletic fields. Michelle Beal, City Finance Director and soccer mom, has taken an active role in the athletic field development and maintenance. She is hopeful that the new ordinance will not only prevent youth from being exposed to environmental tobacco smoke but will also keep the grounds of the fields from being littered with cigarette butts.

Due to local and state tobacco prevention efforts made possible through funding from the state tobacco settlement, more people are becoming aware of the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke. More communities are actively taking steps to reduce nonsmokers from being exposed to harmful chemicals found in secondhand smoke.

Ellsworth is becoming a leader in this effort. In addition to the athletic fields and the YMCA, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital will become tobacco free inside and out on November 21, 2002, the day of the Great American Smoke Out. Kelly Fitzgerald,

Tobacco Specialist at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, explains that even outdoor secondhand smoke can cause eye, nose, and throat irritations; make breathing difficult for those with respiratory conditions; and trigger asthma attacks. "Many people are unaware of just how harmful exposure to secondhand smoke is. Secondhand smoke kills an estimated 70,000 non-smoking Americans every year.