Marion Residents Don't Like Smokers Puffing Near Children in Parks But Cigarettes Mostly Allowed

Last week, a reader raised objections to people smoking near children in public parks, which sparked a lot of feedback on our Marion Patch Facebook. 

"On many occasions I have been at the parks in Marion with my 3 daughters and I see adults smoking at the parks," the reader wrote. "I don't understand why they would do it at parks around children."

The response was pretty supportive.

"We too have been to Thomas Park this week and there were several people smoking," one person responded. "We just try to avoid them but it would be nice if they had the courtesy to at least go to the parking lot away from the children."

Another added, "It's irritating how smokers have a lack of courtesy of others health. I don't mind if you smoke, but do it away from others."

However, aside from a few exceptions, Marion parks are open to smokers, regardless of where they stand. 

According to Parks & Recreation Director Mike Carolan, via the city communications coordinator Amber Bisinger, generally, smoking is allowed in the parks and pavilions in Marion.

Here's the exceptions:

• The Thomas Park Maintenance Facility and the Arts & Environment Center at Lowe Park are non-smoking facilities.
• Smoking is not permitted at the Marion Municipal Swimming Pool, at any ball fields, or at places where Parks & Recreation activities are being held.
• Smoking is also not permitted at City Square Park during special events.