Two girls admire the Centennial Fountain the morning of Ridiculous Day in June. Photo by Sally Y. Hart.
Washington’s Central Park is one step closer to being a smoke free space. The Washington City Council approved the first reading of establishing the park as a smoke free space at their meeting last night. Under the ordinance, it will be illegal to smoke in the park, including the use of e-cigarettes. Violation of the code will be a simple misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of $50.
Councilman Jaron Rosien stated a group of citizens had considered establishing a smoking area in the downtown so those who choose to smoke have a place to do so without being pushed from Central Park to right outside of the downtown businesses. Washington Chamber of Commerce director Michelle Redlinger suggested making it aesthetically pleasing, with some tables and a charging station, perhaps at the empty lot in the 200 block of South Marion Avenue.
The council will consider a second and third reading before it is adopted.