Commission discusses signage and scope of smoke- and vape-free areas in parks; no change made

Commissioners discussed refinements to newly adopted park rules restricting smoking and vaping near playgrounds and pavilions but did not reopen or change the previously adopted language.

At the prior meeting commissioners adopted a rule described in meeting materials as "no smoking or vaping within 100 feet of play areas and pavilions." During the April 22 meeting Mayor Johnson proposed more concise signage language: "Respect smoke and vape free areas," and suggested the city could place area-specific signs that identify where smoking and vaping are not allowed. He said the simplified approach would give staff flexibility to designate smoke- and vape-free zones without constantly rewording a master sign.

Commissioners expressed different views. Commissioner Kilgore said the more specific 100-foot rule was clear and preferred keeping it. Commissioner German voiced concerns that any broad prohibition could limit access for adults who smoke and suggested that designated smoking areas would be more equitable for some park users. Vice Mayor St. Clair asked how signage would be placed and whether a 100-foot radius would effectively exclude smokers from large park areas such as Pere Marquette Beach. Staff noted the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee had recommended prohibiting smoking and vaping across the entire park system, but commissioners had not adopted a full-ban approach.

Mayor Johnson asked whether any commissioner wished to make a motion to reconsider the earlier action; no motion to reconsider was made. Staff said the signage program is moving forward and that ordinance-level details would be needed if the commission sought enforceability beyond courtesy and education. The discussion closed without a change to the rule that had been adopted previously.