City seeks to end vaping in parks

Vaping will be banned in all city parks, if the Shelton City Council approves the change Tuesday.

The council gave preliminary approval to the ban by unanimous vote at its June 6 meeting.

Banning vaping at the city’s 10 parks is one of the recommendations from the city’s parks advisory board, said Jordanne Krumpols, recreation coordinator for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Another recommendation was to clarify that alcohol is only allowed if part of a special event permit, shelter or field use that requires a reservation, she said.

“But the main thing I’m bringing you is the banning of vaping in all city parks,” Krumpols said.

The Mason County Health Department requested the change, Krumpols said. Mason County has already banned vaping in its parks, she said. City park visitors have complained that vaping had a “negative impact” on their experience, she said.

Krumpols said there will be “no proactive enforcement.” Signs will be posted to let people know of the amended rules, and the goal is “voluntary compliance,” she said.

Smoking was banned in city parks in 2012.

“Vaping and e-cigarette use among youths is growing and it’s a problem,” Krumpols told the council. She added, “Twenty-five percent of high school students are regularly using vaping products.”

“I know this has been a high priority for the health department for quite some time, and I’m glad we got this done,” said Mayor Eric Onisko.

Council member Miguel Gutierrez added, “This is a really good opportunity to say, ‘Hey, can you not do that to my kids or me, please,’ and it gives everyone a little more leverage to make sure they don’t get smoke in the face.”