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Kingsford Heights council approves first reading of park smoking ban ordinance
Summary
The council voted unanimously to advance ordinance 2025-007, which would prohibit smoking and vaping on town-owned park property; members said the ban protects youth activities and relies on signage and enforcement details to be worked out before final readings.
The Kingsford Heights Town Council voted unanimously on Nov. 10 to advance ordinance 2025-007 on its first reading, a measure that would prohibit smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices on town-owned park property.
Supporters — including park board representatives — said a full prohibition best protects youth sports and improves park cleanliness. One speaker urged the council to avoid designating separate smoking areas near playgrounds and ballfields because that could undermine grant opportunities for park improvements that will make parts of the park ADA-compliant.
Council discussion addressed enforcement questions and whether chewing tobacco should be included; the ordinance as presented covers lighted cigars, cigarettes, marijuana, plant products and electronic smoking devices but did not include chew in the current draft. The council directed staff to finalize wording and sign locations, and scheduled second and third readings for the next meeting.
A council member moved adoption on first reading and it was seconded; the motion carried with unanimous ayes.
The ordinance was given the short title prohibiting smoking and use of electronic smoking devices on town-owned park property; the council left enforcement mechanics (ticketing and signage) to staff implementation details prior to later readings.
