Smoking is now banned at all city playgrounds and use of tobacco at City parks during youth activities(under 18) is also prohibited. The change in policy was announced by representatives of the Parks and Rec and Health Departments on April first.

However, this is not an April Fool's gag. According to studies, 90% of all adult smokers begin while in their teens or earlier. Of those almost 66% become regular smokers before they reach the age of 19.

Diseases caused by using tobacco are the most preventable causes of death in the United States. Tobacco use is responsible for almost 443,000 annually.

The statistics above are from a media release for the City of Sioux Falls, and was compiled and delivered by Don Kearney of City Parks and Rec. and Jill Franken, Director of the Health Department.

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