Councilman Tim Poirier in July suggested the ban, saying that active residents use the town's trails, parks, and athletic fields to become healthier - not to be exposed to second-hand smoke.

"It's something we need to be thinking about," Poirier said. "A lot of other municipalities are going down that road."

Raleigh voted to prohibit tobacco use in its parks earlier this year. Its new rules took effect in July. With the ban, Raleigh joined a short list of cities and counties in North Carolina - including Boone, Asheville and Buncombe County - to adopt such rules.

Opponents of Raleigh's ban said the government had no business telling residents what they can and can't do outdoors. They also claimed the rules would be difficult to enforce.

In Knightdale, council's views are varied.

Mayor Russell Killen and councilman Jeff Eddins say they've yet to take a position.

Poirier and Mike Chalk say the time to act against the harmful habit is fast approaching.

Knightdale in the coming years will add two much-anticipated outdoor recreation spots. The town hopes to open a two-mile greenway from Hodge Road to Mingo Creek park as well as a large park on First Avenue.

"Growing up on farms, I understand what tobacco has done for the town of Knightdale over the years ... but times have changed," Chalk said. "I think more people would rather see (parks) become non-smoking."

Councilman Terry Gleason said he's supports restrictions, but not town-wide ban.

"It depends on the location: Should you be allowed to smoke at a kids' playground, or a pavilion? No. But at the edge of a soccer field when no one's around, what's to stop you?" Gleason said.

Gleason is on Knightdale's Planning and Engineering Committee, which was scheduled to meet Monday night to form a recommendation on the matter. The committee adjourned after the deadline for this edition.

The committee's recommendation will likely be presented to Town Council at its Aug. 17 meeting.

Councilman James Roberson couldn't be reached for comment.