FARGO, N.D. - A draft plan to ban smoking at Fargo's city pools, ballfields, tennis courts, ice rinks and family events will be trimmed to focus on playgrounds, the Park District's Facilities Committee decided Wednesday.
The decision reflected worries that the plan - originally proposed to protect young children from exposure to smoke and having play areas turned into ashtrays - had morphed into something that would be hard to enforce and close off large chunks of parkland to smokers.
"We don't want to ban smoking from park property," Park Board President Ron Sorvaag said, adding that the original intent was to "keep it focused on the playground."
Commissioner Joel Vettel, who proposed a ban on smoking in and around playgrounds, said he agrees with narrowing the focus.
"I think that's the right thing to do at this point," he said.
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The rejected plan called for no smoking or disposal of cigarette or cigar butts and other tobacco waste within 25 feet of outdoor Park District property, including: hockey rinks and skating ponds, swimming pools, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer and football fields, tennis courts, Trollwood Performing Arts School events and youth programs, and playgrounds.
The proposal now goes to the full Park Board for discussion.
Vettel would like to see an ordinance in effect by spring.
Park District Attorney Greg Selbo said penalties for those violating the smoking policy would be a possible fine of up to $100 and banning individuals from facilities for repeated or egregious infractions.
