Muskegon commission fails to adopt park rules after debate over vaping ban and enforcement

The Muskegon City Commission on Feb. 25 did not adopt a proposed update to the City of Muskegon Park rules after a contentious discussion over whether to include vaping in a smoking prohibition and how the city would enforce the rules.

Parks and Recreation staff introduced the 02/2025 park rules, which the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee had recommended. Director Kyle Korcheski described the draft rules as covering hours of operation (5 a.m. to 11 p.m.), littering, leash rules (with allowed‑areas language), a prohibition on smoking and vaping, restrictions on alcohol and unauthorized motor vehicles, restrictions on fires and grills, noise limits, respect for wildlife and event rules. Korcheski said staff had made edits following a work session and that signage and education would be part of implementation.

The item drew multiple public comments. Caller Nicole Mancha, who said she was joining from the Marshfield neighborhood, urged commissioners to reconsider banning vaping, arguing enforcement would divert police resources and could prompt hostile interactions: "This rule is not about public good in my opinion. It's about over regulation. It's a waste of city resources, a misuse of law enforcement, and an overstep by local government,"…