Smokers still can light up in Upper St. Clair parks and playgrounds, but the practice will be discouraged.

Township commissioners Monday night voted 5-2 to establish "tobacco free" zones at playgrounds and parks, asking guests to refrain from smoking.

The measure will not ban smoking and was a disappointment for resident Debbie Barbarita, who came to commissioners earlier this year after her asthmatic grandson was exposed to cigarette smoke in two parks.

She asked the seven-member commission to ban smoking, likening it to the ban on alcohol and dogs that already exists at township parks and playgrounds.

A vote to ban smoking except in designated areas failed by a 3-4 measure, with Commissioners Glenn Dandoy, Daniel Paoly and Preston Shimer in favor of the ban and Commissioners Robert Orchowski, Mark Christie, Mark Hamilton and Russell Del Re dissenting.

The vote to establish no smoking zones was supported by Mr. Dandoy, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Paoly, Mr. Shimer and Mr. Orchowski, with Mr. Del Re and Mr. Christie opposed.

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