Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vernonia to post no‑smoking signs at playgrounds and facilities; wording and placement still being refined
Summary
Council reviewed a parks committee request and staff draft signage implementing Ordinance 9‑14; staff will bring alternate top‑line wording back to council before ordering signs. Several parks will be fully no‑smoking; others will have 50‑foot buffers or designated smoking areas.
City staff updated council on implementing Ordinance 9‑14 by posting 'no smoking within 50 feet' signage around playgrounds, bathrooms and picnic shelters and adding disposal stations and benches where designated smoking areas remain. Staff presented a draft sign that reads, “respect our families. Please don't smoke in the park.” A councilor asked whether that language was commonly used elsewhere and said the phrasing felt uncomfortable; staff said the draft is flexible and they would bring alternate top‑line options before ordering signs.
Staff listed specific park treatments: Archie Dass Dog Park, Hulse Family Skate Park and Bullmeyer Park will be no‑smoking; Hawkins and Spencer will have designated smoking areas; Anderson, Nehalem River Park and Vernonia Lake will be smoke‑free with 50‑foot buffers around facilities. Council discussed placement strategy (main informational signs plus small targeting signs on individual structures) and procurement logistics; partner funding will cover some large signs and the city will purchase small signs and benches.
