Wabash City Park Board forwards tobacco-free parks resolution to city council

The Wabash City Park Board voted to forward Resolution 1-2026, a recommendation that would prohibit all tobacco products — including e-cigarettes, vapes and chewing tobacco — in Wabash City parks and ask the Wabash City Council to adopt a citywide ordinance.

Board members heard the resolution read aloud at the meeting and agreed that the policy is intended to promote a safer, more comfortable environment for park users. The board instructed staff to prepare a signed letter and present the resolution to the mayor and city council administration for placement on an upcoming council agenda.

Members acknowledged enforcement limits. During discussion, board members conceded there is no practical way to police tobacco use on site and described the policy as reliant on posted signage and voluntary compliance; they also anticipated some public pushback from organized user groups such as youth baseball teams and expected the proposal to prompt commentary in local media.

The board voted to move the resolution forward; the chair will sign the packet and staff will deliver it to the city for consideration at the next available council meeting. A board member noted the council’s next meeting is scheduled for the 26th, and the board said it will notify members when the item is placed on the council agenda.

The action is advisory: formal adoption would require the Wabash City Council to pass an ordinance or take other legal action.