The Erie-Niagara Tobacco-Free Coalition congratulates leaders of our New York State Parks system for taking the right step to protect our kids from secondhand smoke by declaring playgrounds, recreation areas and other areas smoke-free. Signs and a strong enforcement policy will educate smokers about the new rules and allow all visitors to enjoy our shared outdoor environment.

It is worth noting all of the forward-thinking municipalities in Erie and Niagara counties that have established some level of tobacco-free rules in their parks. We believe actions taken by the cities of Niagara Falls and Lackawanna; towns of Alden, Amherst, Clarence, Eden, Colden, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Royalton and Tonawanda; villages of Angola, East Aurora, Kenmore, North Collins, Springville, Williamsville and Wilson have contributed to this important decision made by state parks leaders.

The U.S. surgeon general has clearly established that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke, and tobacco waste is one of the largest sources of litter found on our planet. With natural green space at a premium in our urban and suburban communities, tobacco-free parks provide a clean, healthy, family-friendly setting for recreation, fitness and relaxation. We look forward to the time when all our parks are 100 percent tobacco-free.