Pool No Smoking Area Moved

The smoking area by the pool was moved west to the Lake Havasu Avenue fence.

After a couple of years of protest and recent bold violations of the pool's no-smoking policies, the HOA Board approved relocating the no-smoking area away from poolside.

Two Board members recently moved the smoking bench and ashtrays at the west end of the pool to the fence along Lake Havasu Avenue.

Although the smoking area's relocation was lauded during the recent HOA Board meeting, some residents are pushing to see a total no-smoking policy by the pool. The anti-smoking push comes from residents concerned about second-hand smoke affecting them and children in the pool area. In addition to health concerns, they say cigarette smoke is a nuisance.

The concerns also are stirred by cigarette burn holes in newly purchased lounge cushions, cigarette butts in the patio area, and total disregard for common courtesies by some smokers. One series of incidents resulted in a letter to a violator warning that disregard of pool policies would result in loss of fob access and financial penalties.

Additionally, complaints have come from residents about marijuana smoking at the pool. Although recreational marijuana is legal in Arizona, state law prohibits smoking weed in public or at public places. The pool is on private property but it is a public space, and marijuana smoking there is prohibited.

After a written warning, nuisance penalties start at $125. On second notice, violators may see a $200 penalty and loss of the pool fob. For a third violation, the fine would be $500 for that and each subsequent violation.