Posted 1:26 am Thursday, February 16, 2012
Bullard Bans Smoking In City’s Ferrell Park
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
Smokers can no longer light up in Bullard’s O.L. Ferrell Park.
City council members unanimously decided last week to amend the current smoking ban, which pertains to enclosed city buildings and facilities, to include the city park.
Mayor Pam Frederick said via email that the reason for the ban is two-fold.
“Initially, it was perceived as a maintenance issue with the park,” she wrote. “Smoking litter was left in the park, either a cigarette at a time, or even sometimes the contents of an ashtray. The crew had to consistently try to keep the litter picked up, especially in the case of when the park was mowed. Cigarette filters expand and create a big mess when they are mowed over.”
But as the city investigated ways to control litter, she said it became apparent that community well-being and health were also issues.
Staff Writer
Smokers can no longer light up in Bullard’s O.L. Ferrell Park.
City council members unanimously decided last week to amend the current smoking ban, which pertains to enclosed city buildings and facilities, to include the city park.
Mayor Pam Frederick said via email that the reason for the ban is two-fold.
“Initially, it was perceived as a maintenance issue with the park,” she wrote. “Smoking litter was left in the park, either a cigarette at a time, or even sometimes the contents of an ashtray. The crew had to consistently try to keep the litter picked up, especially in the case of when the park was mowed. Cigarette filters expand and create a big mess when they are mowed over.”
But as the city investigated ways to control litter, she said it became apparent that community well-being and health were also issues.
“Research shows that the smoker is not the only one whose health may be adversely affected. It made sense to remove that danger from a place that we had worked so hard to make family-friendly,” she said in an email.
She added, “This was never intended to be a judgment on smokers. It simply asks that they not smoke in nor leave their litter in our family park.”
Mayor Frederick said the amended ordinance was printed in the official city newspaper, and her understanding is that the ordinance is implemented when that paper was distributed. However, signage must be put up so residents know about the ordinance amendment, she said.
She added, “This was never intended to be a judgment on smokers. It simply asks that they not smoke in nor leave their litter in our family park.”
Mayor Frederick said the amended ordinance was printed in the official city newspaper, and her understanding is that the ordinance is implemented when that paper was distributed. However, signage must be put up so residents know about the ordinance amendment, she said.
Violators of the ordinance will receive a verbal warning and asked not to smoke in the park. Repeat violators could be fined up to $200.
Mayor Frederick said in an email that she believes enforcing the ordinance will be simple because most smokers are considerate and aware of others.
“The response that I have received has been very positive and supportive,” she wrote. “I think that the park became a place for smokers to go because of the non-smoking environment that has been created by so many of our local workplaces.”
Mayor Frederick said in an email that she believes enforcing the ordinance will be simple because most smokers are considerate and aware of others.
“The response that I have received has been very positive and supportive,” she wrote. “I think that the park became a place for smokers to go because of the non-smoking environment that has been created by so many of our local workplaces.”
