Parks committee hears proposal to pursue countywide no-tobacco policy following Richland Center

At the Aug. 28 meeting, the Richland County Parks Committee discussed whether the county should pursue a no-tobacco policy for county-owned parks, boat landings and the recreation trail, following a policy adopted by the City of Richland Center.

The parks staff member noted the city process took “two and a half years” and recommended the coalition — Partners for Prevention — present to the parks committee and then, if the committee supports it, to Public Works and the county board. The staff member identified the coalition organizer by name: “The head of the coalition is Betsy Braceler.”

Committee members raised enforcement concerns and practical limits. One member said that elsewhere officials rely on signage and education rather than issuing citations: “I don't think we will probably ever write 1,” a speaker recalled from other jurisdictions, describing a practice of asking violators to stop rather than pursuing fines. The committee discussed that a county resolution would list locations and hours and that signage and outreach to schools and youth organizations could support compliance.

No vote or formal directive was taken. Committee members agreed that a community presentation would be an appropriate next step, and the parks staff member said they would notify the coalition and arrange for an initial presentation to the committee. The committee also noted that, because it meets quarterly, presentation timing may mean follow-up will occur several months later.

Next steps: Partners for Prevention, represented by Betsy Braceler, to be invited to make a short presentation to the parks committee; if the committee supports the proposal, the item would move next to public works and then to the county board for consideration.