CORNELIUS – Beginning next month, using any tobacco products in town parks will be prohibited.

Commissioners voted unanimously Monday, Feb. 6, to ban smoking and other tobacco products in the town’s parks, in an effort to reduce litter, reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and promote a healthier town.

Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Director Troy Fitzsimmons told commissioners since Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools banned smoking on its campuses, the number of teens who smoke has been reduced, and he’s hoping this will have the same effect.

Enforcement of the ban would be self-policing, and if that doesn’t work, residents could reach out to a PARC employee, and if they can’t resolve it, the police department would be called – but the ban will be enforced, Fitzsimmons said.