Parks Dept Already Screws Up On Smoking Ban

I thought it would be at least a few weeks before the first screw-ups came to light regarding the new anti-smoking measure, which bans smoking in parks, beaches and other Parks Department property. I thought we’d hear about tickets mistakenly given to old men smoking on a sidewalk next to a park (legal), or on a Parks-controlled bike path next to vehicular traffic, like Ocean Parkway (legal), or to an actor smoking in a theater production in the park (legal).

But I overlooked the little things. Or maybe I just over-estimated Parks Department employees. Because it took literally two days after the bill’s implementation for a reader to spot the above sign, which was probably installed on Monday.

Can you guess what’s wrong with the sign? Can you? Well, nothing, I suppose, except for where it’s placed.

This sign, which reads “No smoking on beach and promenade,” went up at Bill Brown Park, at Avenue Y and Bedford Avenue. That’s right, Bill Brown Park, which has no beaches or promenades. Though there is a sprinkler that I’m not sure is ever actually turned on. And some handball courts. They’re putting down turf, too. But certainly no beaches or promenades.

I’m pretty sure this is a regulation I can comply with. I vow not to smoke – ever – on Bill Brown Park’s beach or promenade.