Several Parks to Get New Barbecue Grills

Just in time for summer picnics, the city soon will install barbecue grills in about a dozen parks.

Since lifting a ban on barbecuing in parks, the City Council agreed to spend about $16,000 for grills and briquette disposal containers. Canyon, Estancia, Heller, Lions and Gisler are among the parks that will receive grills.

Visitors also can bring their own barbecues to parks and use them in designated areas; signs should be posted this summer.

The ban on barbecuing was rarely followed, mainly because residents figured it was legal to grill in the parks, officials said. It was only in recent months that police began issuing warnings in response to complaints by residents who were irked by smoke billowing into their homes.