The Town Council has voted to ban smoking in town parks, the McDowell Mountain Preserve and on trails.

Staff noted that the town already prohibits smoking at facilities including Town Hall, the Community Center, Library/Museum and other town-owned buildings.

Town Manager Grady Miller told the council that staff has taken note that numerous other cities, as well as Maricopa County, have taken the step to ban smoking in parks.

“[They have] recognized the importance of maintaining a safe and smoke-free environment at municipal parks,” Miller said.

Staff has received a number of complaints from residents about the impact of secondhand smoke at special events as well as during use of parks, mountain preserve and trails where smoking can also be a fire hazard.

“Discarded cigarettes and other tobacco-related items create litter that is often consumed by dogs, ducks and other animals at our parks,” Miller said.

The ban includes tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vape systems and “mods” at all parks, the preserve and trails.

The ordinance gives the Community Services Director the authority to designate smoking areas for special events, most likely parking lots, according to Miller.

The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure to take effect immediately so it will apply during the upcoming Fourth at the Fountain event.