Most Madison Parks and Fields Will Not Have Designated Smoking Areas

In March, Madison officials approved a ban on smoking at town parks, and at the time vowed to include designated smoking areas for smokers.

But according to Board of Selectmen meeting minutes, several town fields and parks will not have designated smoking areas after all.

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson stated at the selectmen’s meeting, according to meeting minutes, that this was a result of the ordinance regarding limitation of smoking at Town parks, etc. The Board asked the Beach and Recreation Commission to come up with designated smoking areas.

Mr. Erskine stated that the Beach and Recreation Commission wanted all advisory committees to weigh in on this item. He stated the suggested areas as follows:

Rockland Preserve - no area was recommended as the sensitive nature of the grasses, etc.

Salt Meadow Park - no area was recommended as the sensitive nature of the grasses, etc.

Town Fields - no areas were recommended as there was no appropriate space that would

eliminate second-hand smoke exposure.

Bauer Park – suggested area is that adjacent to the community gardens.

East Wharf - no area was recommended as there is no real area with the exception of the parking lot.

West Wharf- no area was recommended as there is no real area with the exception of the parking lot.

Surf Club – suggested area is that adjacent to the parking lot but within the confines of the fence post, along the entrance.

The areas will have a cigarette urn and that will be the only indication for these smoking areas. He stated that it has worked in other towns, and that each location will have signage which states that it is a Tobacco-Free area with smoking allowed only in designated areas, if applicable.

First Selectman McPherson confirmed that the advisory committees as well as the Beach and Recreation Commission are all in agreement with these suggestions. He also noted that the ordinance gave the Beach and Recreation Committee authority to designate the smoking areas and therefore no vote by the Board was needed.