Wabash council advances proposal to make city parks tobacco- and vape‑free after public hearing

The Wabash City Council on May 26 advanced a first‑reading ordinance that would ban smoking, vaping and other tobacco use everywhere on city park property.

Councilmembers moved to approve General Ordinance No. 8 "as ready" after a public comment period during which public‑health advocates, park staff and residents largely urged adoption. The motion to advance the ordinance passed on roll call with Councilmembers Dylan, Baros, Coin, Pilgrim and Sh voting in favor and Councilmember Burnssworth voting no.

Proponents said the change would make parks cleaner and safer for families. "Our lungs are made to breathe clean air," said Suzanne Peeles, youth coordinator for the Wabash County Tobacco‑Free Coalition, who noted her organization has reached more than 900 students this year through prevention programs. Megan Henderson, who identified herself as the incoming director of the local tobacco‑free coalition, said a full‑park policy would reduce litter and limit youth exposure to smoking and vaping.

Officials and experts also raised environmental and safety concerns about disposable vape devices. "The filters on cigarette butts are a type of plastic and contribute to microplastics in soil and groundwater," said Leanne Kooie, director of the Wabash County Solid Waste Management District, and she warned that lithium‑ion batteries in disposable vapes can be a fire hazard when left in the elements.

Not all public commenters supported the ban. Becky Arnette, a resident, said that while she does not smoke, she was concerned the policy would "take the outdoors away from the people that do," and questioned where people who smoke would go with parks off‑limits.

Council discussion acknowledged enforcement would be difficult. Members said the city would rely primarily on signage and public education, and asked whether police would be expected to issue citations when violations occur. Councilmembers cited an earlier compromise that had prohibited smoking within 50 feet of playground equipment but said a full‑park policy would send a clearer community norm.

The ordinance covers "cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e‑cigarettes, vapes and the use of chewing tobacco" on any property maintained by the Wabash City Parks Department, including newly opened recreation facilities such as pickleball courts. City staff noted a ribbon cutting for the new courts is scheduled and that the parks are heavily used.

The council confirmed there will be a second reading in two weeks; the ordinance is not adopted until final action at that later meeting.