Members of the Marshall County Parks and Recreation Board meet Thursday evening at 6 in the cabin at the Memoria Forest for their regular monthly meeting.
Last month Annett Haining from Smoke Free Marshall County asked to board to consider making the Memorial Forest and the Trails at Millpond smoke free areas.
During the meeting, Park Board President Greg Hildebrand read a proposed policy. The policy states: The Marshall County Parks and Recreation Department oversees beautiful parks, recreation facilities and programs for the use and benefit of residents of the Marshall County community and visitors to Marshall County. To further enhance the experience of all park users and to protect everyone from the harmful effects of exposure to secondhand smoke, the board now declares all its parks to be smoke-free. Use of any tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes or other similar smokable substances on park premises is strictly prohibited.”
Board member Brain Main explained that the parks won’t have police out enforcing the policy. He said, “It’s more so a vote of confidence in support of the policy by park users. We won’t be out here patrolling and policing every hour of the day.”
It was discussed that signage will be provided by Smoke Free Marshall County.
Board member Deb VanDeMark did say that someone violating the policy could be asked to refrain from smoking.
The County Park Board approved the policy with a unanimous vote.
