Smoking, Vaping Soon To Be Illegal In Redmond Parks

REDMOND, WA - A major change is coming to Redmond city parks next week: smoking and vaping will be illegal.

The ban was enacted due to requests from the public. Rule-breakers may not get fined right away. City officials say that anyone caught smoking in a park after March 31 will simply be informed about the new rule.

Here's more from the city of Redmond:

Park Rules are the laws that address criminal and civil behaviors on all City park and trail properties and are found in Redmond Municipal Code Chapter 9.31. The current set of Park Rules were last updated in 1994. To ensure community amenities are safe, clean and welcoming, an interdepartmental team collected public input and met with multiple community groups to better understand what park users want to see and experience.

In addition to many minor changes, the community overwhelmingly requested smoke-free parks and trails. Smoking of all types, including vaping, is not allowed in any city park or trail as of March 31.

For issues or questions in parks, users are encouraged to contact Park Staff at 425-556-2300. Park staff and police officers will work closely to first provide education and reminders on park rules. For behavior or incidents that make you feel unsafe, or is a risk to public safety or property, the public is encouraged to call 911 immediately.

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