Smoking will be discouraged, but still legally allowed, at Upper St. Clair parks and playgrounds under the terms of a new resolution being considered by township commissioners.

Commissioners Monday night considered a choice of several new ordinances and resolutions crafted in response to complaints by grandparent Debbie Barbarita, who told commissioners that her asthmatic grandson was exposed to cigarette smoke at township playgrounds.

Ms. Barbarita asked commissioners to ban tobacco products at parks and playgrounds, but few commissioners supported either an option for a tobacco ban near toddler playing areas in playgrounds, or a total tobacco ban at all parks and playgrounds, except in designated areas.

Commissioner Russell Del Re said he supported a total smoking ban or none at all, while commissioners Mark Christie, Daniel Paoly, and Mark Hamilton said they would back an unenforced resolution suggesting residents shouldn't smoke. Commissioner Robert Orchowski was absent.

Mr. Hamilton said he also supported banning tobacco products near toddler playing areas, but Commissioners Preston Shimer and Glenn Dandoy were the only members to support the total ban, citing a ban on alcohol and dogs that already exists at the township's 15 parks and playgrounds.

"I don't see much of a difference," Mr. Shimer said. "We ought to be consistent."

Commissioners are expected to make a final decision at their meeting next Monday.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.