Erie MetroParks has no plans to prohibit smoking

HURON TWP. — While Sandusky officials consider a citywide smoking ban within all green spaces they maintain, the area's predominant public parks provider won't consider reversing its stance anytime soon.Erie MetroParks officials follow state smoking guidelines. In a nutshell, the district allows people to consume tobacco outdoors on its lands but not indoors. For instance, people can inhale a cigarette around a trail at Osborn MetroPark but not inside the property's Frost Center."Erie MetroParks does not impose its own further smoking regulations on park users for park properties," district executive director Amy Bowman-Moore said. "It is expected that both smokers and non-smokers be courteous to one another without official oversight. Smokers and non-smokers are aware of the effects of secondhand smoke, and smokers should dispose of their cigarette butts properly."The district doesn't have any imminent plans to change its smoking policy, despite a possible such prohibition taking place in Sandusky.Less than two weeks ago, Sandusky city commissioner Nikki Lloyd proposed a motion to ban all forms of smoking in city-owned parks. The rule as it stands today: Wherever there's a playground or play area in a city park, nobody can smoke within a 25-foot radius of it. Violators face a low-level misdemeanor if they're found and cited.No matter the vote's outcome, it won't sway Erie MetroParks' stance."This issue has not been addressed by the board," park commissioner Troy Wisehart said. "We have had zero complaints about our policy, and my personal observation is that it's rare to see anyone smoking in the parks."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.In this July 14, 2017 photo, children participate in Canoe Camp with Erie MetroParks and the Sandusky Recreation Department at the Big Island Preserve canoe launch site. Erie MetroParks officials reiterated they have no plans to change a smoking stance. People can still smoke outside within park property but not inside facility on district property.