Smoking banned in Greenwood parks

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) - Smoking is no longer allowed at Greenwood city parks, our partners at the Daily Journal Report.

The city of Greenwood is banning smoking in all parks and city-owned property, including the community center and police department parking lots. The city voted 8-1 Monday to extend the ban except for streets, trails, and sidewalks.

City council members said the ban would protect residents from secondhand smoke in the parks, especially at crowded festivals, concerts and other events. They also said that stopping employees from smoking at work would give them reason to quit, improve their health and could save the city money on health insurance.

Officials say the ban may be difficult to enforce, and may be creating designated smoking areas for special events.

The ban will be extended to the outside of all city buildings next year.