The Rockford Park District voted to ban smoking on most of its properties.
State law already bans smoking within 50 feet of public buildings, but the Rockford Register Star reportsviolations on park property would impose a $125 fine for first time offenders. That amount doubles to $250 for a consecutive offense, and $500 for a third offense.
Golf courses were exempted from the ban, because board commissioner Scott Olson was told it's part of the sport’s “culture.”
It takes 90 days for a new ordinance to take effect, so the ban takes effect June 1.