Beginning July 15, smoking will be banned in most city parks other than in designated areas.
The Parsons City Commission quickly approved the smoke-free parks ordinance Monday evening after discussing and refining the proposal with city staff over the last several weeks. Commissioner Bill Hogelin introduced the idea last year after Commissioner Tom Shaw began discussing a proposed ordinance to raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21. The commission passed that ordinance in April but grandfathered in people who were 18 before the ordinance took effect.
The ordinance passed Monday will cover Forest, Clark, Lopez, Glenwood, Winway and Circle parks. Tolen Creek Park and Marvel Park will be excluded from the smoking ban, although the Parsons Recreation Commission already has posted “no smoking” signs at Marvel Park, which it maintains for its softball and T-ball programs. Railroad Park, which has very little playground equipment and isn’t used much, also will be excluded as well as lesser known parks with no playgrounds such as McElhaney Park.
The ordinance would have taken effect upon the legal publication in the Sun, but Commissioner Shaw suggested the city wait until signs are posted and cigarette receptacles placed in the smoking areas.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)