O'Hara considers banning tobacco use in township parks
Apr. 15—By this time next month, visitors to O'Hara parks might have to leave the area to smoke.
Council is considering a ban on all tobacco products in township parks, expanding the current policy that disallows them near the playground areas.
The idea was introduced during council's April 13 meeting, after a recommendation from the parks and recreation commission.
Members of that group asked council to amend the township ordinances and prohibit all smoking devices and all tobacco products across township parks.
Visitors are currently allowed to smoke in the shelters, said Julie Jakubec, township manager.
Council is expected to vote on it at the May 11 meeting.
Council in 2013 joined the state's Young Lungs at Play program, banning smoking near playgrounds to remove the risk of second hand smoke.
In other news, council approved the summer road paving contract for about $673,700.
Shields Paving will do the work and likely begin in June or July, Jakubec said.
Residents can expect to see the following roads milled and resurfaced in 2021: Kappa, Alleyne, Dowling, Weir and Meadow Heights drives; Division and Joanne streets (both north and south); and the Sacco Park parking lot.
Because the bid came in below budget, alternates were added to the list that include Davonshire, Village, Emily, Fox Ridge Farms and Fairgrove drives and Queens Court.
Council approved joint bidding for the road improvement program with Fox Chapel, as it has for several years, to capitalize on better prices.
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 724-226-7726, tpanizzi@triblive.com or via Twitter .
