OGDENSBURG — A new policy asks citizens to snuff out their cigarettes while in the proximity of municipal sports fields and playgrounds.

The City Council passed a voluntary tobacco-free resolution Tuesday night that will erect signs near playgrounds and recreational fields but doesn’t impose a penalty for violating the policy.

The resolution noted tobacco’s negative effects on the beauty of city parks and residents’ health.

“Basically, it creates 100-foot buffer zones where smoking would be prohibited,” said Mayor William D. Nelson.

However, Deputy Mayor Michael D. Morley pointed out the policy stops well short of forbidding smoking in those areas.

“It isn’t really prohibited; it is frowned upon,” he said.

The resolution made no reference to the cost of producing and erecting signs around parks.

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