Spring is just a month away but when residents flock once more to County Parks as the weather warms, they will have to do so without cigarettes. Under a proposed ordinance that will go before the Board of Chosen Freeholders at its next meeting, all Hudson County Parks will be smoke-free in what are deemed "recreation areas."

Signs will be posted warning folks of the new policy in all parks. Violators will be hit with $100 fines for a first offense escalating up to $500 for a third offense. While violators would be reported to the County Sheriff's Office, the hope is that park-goers will simply "self-regulate" when they see the signs and refrain from lighting up.

The ordinance was proposed by a group of concerned citizens who modeled their proposal to the County Administration and Freeholders on other such ordinances already on he books throughout the tri-state area. The introduction of the ordinance will be followed by a public hearing at the following Freeholders meeting and a vote upon the close of the public hearing.

To learn more visit the Board of Chosen Freeholders page for agendas for upcoming meetings.