At present, people are allowed to smoke all around the perimeter of Lake Merritt, as long as they are 25 feet away from a building. Bay Area residents of all ages visit the lake for fun and fitness. This experience is often marred by the presence of second-hand smoke which can be especially harmful for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. Let’s make Lake Merritt safe for all visitors by introducing a ban on smoking around the perimeter of the lake.