AUSTIN -- It was understood when Austin City Council passed a temporary smoking ban for city parks in April, it was a needed fire precaution in the drought. Thursday afternoon at City Hall, council members passed a resolution with a different goal -- to eliminate smoking in city parks permanently.
Zilker Park may be the biggest, but it's just one of the 251 parks embedded across the city. From runners, to walkers, to miniature kite flyers, the parks welcome all -- almost.
"You feel like if you're out in a park you should be able to smoke if you want or just enjoy being outside, and that's part of it; that's what you do," said smoker Alexis Gonzales.
Thursday, city council looked to take the drought smoking ban one step further. Council member Laura Morrision, Mike Martinez, and Kathie Tovo sponsored the resolution asking to consider a permanent ban, which would include hiking trails, pools, and golf courses.
"Many other cities do it," said council member Laura Morrison. "It's a good way to keep our parks clean, and make sure they're available for everybody to enjoy."
The biggest example is New York City, who passed a smoking ban in city parks, beaches, and plazas in May.
The passing of the resolution does not enact a smoking ban, but merely submits it to City Manager Marc Ott for review. Over the next month, all aspects of the ban, including punishments, will be discussed before returning to council for a vote.
