Politics & Government

Ocean City Makes Parks and Playgrounds Smoke-Free

City Council passes the second reading of an ordinance creating the ban.

City Council banned the use of tobacco products at outdoor parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities in Ocean City.

At a public meeting on Thursday, Council unanimously passed the second reading of ordinance making parks smoke-free.

An existing ordinance already bans smoking at the city's indoor facilities such as the Ocean City Music Pier and Ocean City Sports and Civic Center. Smoking is prohibited on the Ocean City Boardwalk except in designated areas.

Councilman Keith Hartzell asked City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson to research whether any potential ban on smoking on the beach would be constitutional.

Representatives of the city's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports had asked City Council to consider the measure last month as part of a "Breathe Easy Campaign."

The ordinance calls for fines of $100 to $250 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for a second offense.

The ordinance bans smoking at facilities "including, but not limited to":

  • Bayside Center (500 block of Bay Avenue)
  • Carey Stadium (Ocean City High School)
  • Ocean City Municipal Golf Course (26th Street and Bay Avenue)
  • Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp
  • Sixth Street Playground and Recreational Facility
  • 58th Street Beach Pavilion
  • North Street and Simpson Avenue Playground
  • 15th Street and Bay Avenue Playground
  • 34th Street and Asbury Avenue Playground
  • 52nd Street Playground
  • Richard Grimes Field (Sixth Street and Haven Avenue)
  • Emil Palmer Field (15th Street and Simpson Avenue)
  • Harry Vanderslice Baseball Complex (35th Street and Haven Avenue)
  • Basketball Courts at North Street, Sixth, Eighth, 15th, 18th, 34th and 52nd Streets
  • Tennis Courts at Sixth, 18th and 35th Streets
  • Shuffleboard Courts at Sixth Street and Boardwalk
  • Veterans Memorial Park (at Fifth Street and Wesley Avenue)
  • Waterfront Park and Marina (at Second Street and Bay Avenue)
  • Ocean City Dog Park (at 45th Street and Haven Avenue)


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here