DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — As of Wednesday, the City of Dallas is instituting a smoking ban in public parks.
The Dallas City Council approved the ordinance in November, which will only apply to parks and trails managed by the city. Any entity managed by a private partner — like the Dallas Zoo, Arboretum or Fair Park — is exempt from the ban.
“We encourage the community to join us in making our parks smoke free come March 1,” said Willis Winters, Dallas Park and Recreation Director, via press release. “This is a new ordinance approved by the City Council, so we are going to spend time educating residents about the new smoking ban.”
In addition to areas managed by private entities, the Parks and Recreation Department says smoking will be allowed at the city’s six golf courses and the city-owned gun range.
The new ordinance affects around 400 parks and 100 miles of trails and could result in a $200 fine if someone is caught smoking.