DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
Prohibiting Smoking at Main Plaza and Travis Park
SUMMARY:
An ordinance amending Chapter 36, Smoking Ordinance, of the City Code of San Antonio, Texas to designate Main Plaza and Portal San Fernando and Travis Park grounds as smoke-free public spaces.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio’s current smoking ordinance was revised on August 19, 2010 to meet the national standards for a municipality to be designated as a “Smoke Free” city. The current ordinance prohibits smoking at some outdoor venues, to include
• The San Antonio Zoo facilities and grounds
• All outdoor sports arenas, stadiums and amphitheaters
• Pavilions and playgrounds located within city-owned parks
• In and within 20 feet of outdoor public transportation stations, platforms, and shelters under the authority of the City
• Within the public right-of-way and any seating within the public right-of-way along the parade route of the Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and the Texas Cavaliers River Parade.
Earlier this year, Main Plaza Conservancy (MPC) submitted a letter to the City requesting the prohibition of smoking on Main Plaza and Portal San Fernando grounds. The San Fernando Cathedral supports this request. The City of San Antonio has a management agreement with MPC, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to oversee programming and maintenance within Main Plaza. In addition to musical performances, farmers markets, movie nights, and special events, Main Plaza features “San Antonio | The Saga”, a video art installation on the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral. Created by French artist Xavier de Richemont, the 7,000 square foot projection with choreographed music narrates the history, settlement and development of San Antonio.
Travis Park was recently revitalized with improvements including new bus shelters, electrical upgrades, a bike share station, renovation of original antique cannons, new furnishings and amenities for park users, and infrastructure, maintenance and landscaping improvements. Park activities appeal to all ages and include lunch with food trucks, weekly fitness classes, seasonal movies in the park, monthly music events, as well as annual events. Travis Park recently received the coveted Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Lone Star Legacy Park designation, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park. A Lone Star Legacy Park meets strict criteria including at least 50 years of history, a distinctive design and local community events.
Ongoing quality programming at Main Plaza and Travis Park attracts thousands of residents and visitors each year. Prohibition of smoking at these venues would reduce the exposure of adults and children to the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke.
ISSUE:
San Antonio is currently designated as a smoke free city. The current smoking ordinance prohibits smoking in a variety of outdoor venues, to include some venues that host events that appeal to the broad community. Prohibiting smoking at Main Plaza and Travis Park will enhance the visitor experience and improve the safety and health of the community.
On October 19, 2015, this item was reviewed by the Neighborhoods and Livability Committee and recommended for approval consideration by the full City Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
The current City ordinance could remain without any further amendment, however, thousands of Main Plaza and Travis Park visitors would continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item does not require additional financial resources. Enforcement would utilize current resources from the City of San Antonio’s Park Police or San Antonio Police Department.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends amending the current smoking ordinance to designate Main Plaza and the Portal San Fernando grounds, as well as Travis Park grounds, as smoke free to improve the safety and health of residents and visitors.