Jefferson City playgrounds go smoke-free

The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission decided that all playgrounds in the capital city should be smoke-free zones.

Smoking will not be allowed within 50 feet of any playground and within 25 feet of park pavilions.

Parks and Recreation commissioners say this decision was made with children’s health in mind.

“We felt like we wanted to project the image to the public of parks being a healthy experience and the idea of keeping second-hand smoke away from playground areas and young kids,” said Bill Lockwood of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The commission already prohibits tobacco and smoking from youth sporting events in the city.