St. Cloud Bans Smoking and Vaping in All City Parks

(KNSI) — St. Cloud is doing something it is believed no other city in Minnesota is doing.

The council Monday night approved a measure banning smoking and vaping in all city parks.

St. Cloud Community Services Facilities Director Scott Zlotnik explained to KNSI News the ordinance has been in the works for years, but Minnesota’s recreational marijuana law made the parks committee come forward with the proposal. “Smoke free or tobacco free isn’t new to the park and recreation advisory board. There’s been some opportunities brought forward by groups throughout the years, just when it had come to tobacco. But really, the marijuana and the recreational law was another kick to get it moving in the right direction.”

Zlotnik explained officials felt the change was necessary because “We often work with special event users and a lot of our nonprofits. When they program outdoor sports, [we were] hearing about smoking but really the marijuana has become another major concern. Is this appropriate for children?”

The ban includes:

All parkways
All sports facilities
All recreation facilities
All parks
All park roads
All park parking lots

Violators will be given a petty misdemeanor ticket and fined $300.

The new ordinance goes into effect in 30 days.

No one spoke against the new regulation during Monday’s public hearing.

___