Come Sept. 15, three parks in New Baltimore, Mich. will be tobacco free after the city’s parks and recreation board passed a ban on lighting up during its Aug. 24 meeting. The move comes in an attempt to “keep the kids in our playgrounds and patrons at the beach safe from possible burning cigarette butts,” according to a statement on the department’s website. In addition, the board says it will help keep the parks clean from litter and will help lower the maintenance costs of cleaning this debris. While the city has not posted the on its website, VoiceNews.com reports that violators will be subject to a $25 fine for a first offense, while a second offense earns a fine of $50. Those who rack up three offenses will be cited with a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. The ban applies to Walter & Mary Burke Park, Festival Park, and Maynard “Red” Aurand Memorial Park. New Baltimore is located just over 35 miles northeast of Detroit and is home to approximately 12,000 residents.
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