Smoking banned in Colorado Springs parks

Colorado Springs City Council voted to ban smoking in all public parks, trails and open spaces.

The second and final vote was made on Tuesday during their regular meeting. It was approved on a vote of 5 – 3.

The Parks Department said the ban is to cut down on fire risk and litter.

Council Member At-Large Jan Martin said enforcement of the new ban has not been determined.

KRDO talked with several Springs residents who have mixed feelings on the ban.

“I don’t think it is fair to single out smokers,” said non-smoker Calin Hins. “Smokers have kids too, they deserve to be able to take their kids to the park without having to walk across the street to smoke a cigarette.”

“We all know smoking is bad for us. But it’s annoying to go to an open space, like a restaurant with outdoor seating or park to get fresh air and you are surrounded by smokers. So I’m all for it,” said non-smoker Stephanie Rahill.