New London - You can take a walk in the city's 22 parks, but soon you may not be able to take your cigarette break there.

The City Council, at the request of the Parks & Recreation Commission, is looking into a "no-smoking" ordinance for its parks.

"The safety of the children is a big concern,'' commission member Nancy Baude said.

Last month the Groton Town Council approved a similar rule in all playgrounds and parks where children are present. And in New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a new law in May that makes it illegal to smoke in city parks, beaches, boardwalks and public plazas, like Times Square. Violators can be fined $50.

"It's a health concern,'' said Tommie Major, New London's Parks & Recreation director. "Let's face it, smoking is one of our biggest concerns."

He said recreation commissions in surrounding communities are also looking into smoking bans.

The council sent the no-smoking initiative to its Parks & Recreation and Education Committee for further discussion.

"I think it's a no-brainer,'' said City Councilor Rob Pero, who said he frequents the city's parks with his three children. "It will mean less litter and better health."

He added that smokers generally move away from children in playgrounds but that cigarette butts are scattered around the playgrounds where children can pick them up.

"You would think through public education and voluntary cooperation, you wouldn't need enforcement,'' he said.

"But if people don't comply, we'll have some way to enforce it."

Pero said he would also like to see smoking banned on other city-owned properties that the Parks & Recreation Commission does not have jurisdiction over, such as Waterfront Park, the Parade and municipal parking lots.

The parks commission voted June 1 to "fully support" posting "smoke-free parks" signs. Ledge Light Health District will provide the signs once they have the go-ahead from the council.

k.edgecomb@theday.com