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Occoquan adopts voluntary 'Share the Air' parks resolution after student presentation
Summary
Two Potomac High students urged the council to adopt Y Street’s 'Share the Air' program; Council unanimously adopted Resolution R-2026-07 to make town parks tobacco- and vape-free via voluntary signage and education rather than enforcement.
Two Potomac High School students, Na’Yema M. and Maame Q., presented Y Street’s 'Share the Air' program at the Occoquan Town Council meeting on May 19, urging the town to adopt a voluntary tobacco-, vape- and cigarette-free policy for parks and outdoor spaces. Program manager Kiran D. told the council the initiative began in 2019.
Town Manager Adam Linn told council members the resolution would be voluntary and rely on signage and public education rather than enforcement. Vice Mayor Jenn Loges said she supported adding signage to town parks; Councilmembers Eliot Perkins and Cindy Fithian also voiced support. Vice Mayor Loges moved to adopt Resolution R-2026-07 and Councilmember Perkins seconded; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Earnie Porta and other councilmembers posed for photographs with the student presenters after the vote. The resolution joins roughly 50 Virginia counties, cities and towns that have adopted similar voluntary policies. The town did not adopt enforcement mechanisms; implementation will focus on signage and outreach as described by Town Manager Linn.
