Marble Falls considers smoking and vaping ban in public parks
Marble Falls is considering an official ban on smoking and vaping in city parks. A proposed ordinance would outlaw puffing in parks, but officials say the rules would mostly be enforced through warnings and signage rather than fines.
City Council will consider the passing of the smoking and vaping ban during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 6 at Marble Falls City Hall, 800 Third Street in Marble Falls. The meeting is open to the public.
Specifically, the ordinance would make it illegal to smoke or vape in a Marble Falls city park. Violating the ordinance could come with up to $500 in fines, and part of the new law would include the installation of signage in the parks notifying visitors of the prohibition.
This ban would apply to all current and future public parks in city limits. This includes Lakeside Park, Johnson Park, Falls Creek and Skate Park, Westside Park, and the upcoming Mormon Mill Nature Park.
According to Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Director Lacey Dingman, the ordinance was developed following several complaints related to secondhand smoke at community events in public parks.
“We have received multiple comments over the last year from families and park users who were concerned about exposure to smoke in areas where children and large gatherings are common,” Dingman wrote in a response to emailed questions from DailyTrib. “The proposal is part of a broader effort to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming public spaces for everyone.”
She explained that city staff researched a possible ban, finding that other cities like San Marcos, Austin, Boerne, Georgetown, San Antonio, and New Braunfels all have smoking and vaping bans in their public parks. Staff then developed an ordinance and presented it to the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, which approved it on Nov. 10 to be sent to council for possible adoption.
“The proposed ordinance is intended to be enforced primarily through education and voluntary compliance,” Dingman noted. ”This is similar to how we enforce most quality-of-life ordinances in park settings. Violations would technically be subject to a fine of up to $500, but citations are expected to be rare. The emphasis is on awareness, signage, and respectful conversations, instead of punitive action.”
Dingman also acknowledged the possible public concern of “government overreach” with the proposed ban.
“I understand the sentiment that new regulations can sometimes feel like government overreach,” she wrote. “In this case, the intent is to support a healthy and enjoyable environment in spaces that are shared by thousands of residents and visitors each year. We’re trying to strike a balance that respects individual choice while protecting the overall park experience for families, youth, and vulnerable populations.”
1 thought on “Marble Falls considers smoking and vaping ban in public parks”
Comments are closed.
People that smoke or vape are always singled out. When you are outdoors there is no difference to being in the vicinity of a idling vehicle or close to a barbque. We are not second rate citizens. We have the same rights. It is not illegal. You sell alcohol at many park events. Allow us to have the same freedoms.