Township Considering No Smoking in Parks

With the county already prohibiting smoking in its own parks, Bridgewater Township is also planning to look into the possibility of making its parks non-smoking.

“I understand the county has made in-roads with our health department to discuss this,” said councilman Howard Norgalis. “And I wonder about the possibility of having the township enact an ordinance toward prohibiting smoking in public parks.”

Norgalis said he would absolutely support the change for all township parks as well, particularly on the turf fields, which can be destroyed by discarded cigarettes or cigars.

“I strongly encourage this, and hope the township would support the health of the parks and people,” he said.

Township administrator James Naples said the Bridgewater Health Advisory Board is looking into this possibility, and is preparing to make a recommendation at its next meeting.

Councilman Allen Kurdyla said his concern is enforcement.

“Anything with prohibiting smoking I do support,” he said. “But the issue we have to consider is enforcement.”

“I am just concerned that we would entertain something that would not be enforced or would be difficult to enforce,” he added. “I support the intent, but if we do this and don’t enforce it, what is the exposure?”

Norgalis said the county would more than likely provide signs.

In addition, councilman Matthew Moench asked about situations concerning the municipal building with the turf field and Kid Street Park in back. He said he wonders how many smokers there are coming for court sessions and other similar situations.

“When we have court sessions, do we have a lot of smoking outside the building, and, if so, what would they do?” he asked. “Would they go across the street near the school property?”

And if a family were to go to a park, Moench said, he wonders if one member would simply choose not to go because of smoking being prohibited.

“Maybe there is a way of designating an area, like a spot away from the rest of the people if they want to smoke,” he said.

The council is preparing to wait on the recommendation from the health advisory board before taking action.

What do you think? Should the township enact an ordinance banning smoking at all public parks?