Park district wants residents' input on plan to prohibit smoking in parks
By Miguel Morales miguel@theacorn.com

Persistent complaints from several youth and adult sports leagues in town have pushed the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District into action regarding smoking in public parks.

The district is now looking into turning its four community parks and many of the larger parks in Simi Valley into smokefree zones.

A board meeting on May 17 will consider the possibility of banning smoking at such parks as Rancho Simi, Rancho Tapo, Rancho Santa Susana, Big Sky and Sinaloa Youth Ballfields. Residents are encouraged to attend and weigh in on the proposed measure.

The idea to ban smoking in community parks has been in the works for many years, said Larry Peterson, park district general manager.

Many parks already have "no smoking" signs, but there hasn't been a firm rule for enforcement yet, he said.

"I think that the majority of people will see it as something that makes sense," Peterson said.

Board meetings are held at 1692 Sycamore Drive and begin at 6:30 p.m.

Other parks that will be considered for inclusion in the smoking ban are Darrah Volunteer Park, Houghton-Schreiber Park, Knolls Park and Rancho Madera Community Park.

A detailed report is available at www.rsrpd.org.

For additional information, call (805) 584-4400.