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Marshfield parks committee weighs signage, not enforcement, after isolated smoking complaints
Summary
After a prior ordinance attempt failed years ago, Marshfield committee members said adding visible 'smoke-free' signs at playgrounds and athletic venues is the most practical near-term step to reduce exposure at parks; enforcement and an outright ban were discussed but not pursued at this meeting.
The Marshfield Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee discussed smoking policy and the city’s public nuisance ordinance (chapter/section 11) on Jan. 8, focusing on signage and outreach after a small number of complaints.
Committee member Natasha told the group the department’s smoking policy (updated in 2019) places signs at playgrounds, athletic viewing areas and some shelters but lacks strong enforcement mechanisms. "It's a policy, so it doesn't really have a lot of teeth," she said, adding that signs are posted in many athletic venues but not at every park.
Members recalled a previous effort, around 2017, to adopt a stronger smoking ordinance for parks that did not pass. "We tried to draft an ordinance...but they didn't pass," Natasha said, recalling that the measure failed and that enforcement questions — who would enforce it — were among concerns raised at the time.
At least one committee member reported a recent complaint at Columbia Park where a parent smoking near a playground prompted concern. Staff reported that most smokers are considerate but that occasional instances of smoking near crowds have led to complaints. The committee favored expanding visible signage in public areas as a low-cost step: suggested locations included Columbia Park, Wenzel and kiosk/map areas where visitors congregate. One member said clear signage could make witnesses more comfortable asking someone to move away from crowds.
The committee did not forward a new ordinance or a request for enforcement changes at the meeting; instead it directed staff to evaluate sign locations and add signs in problem areas as a first step.
Next steps: staff will review park signage and propose locations for additional smoke-free signs; no ordinance referral or enforcement change was initiated.
