Smoke-free policy announced for state park playgrounds and pools | News

ALBANY - The state Offices of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that it will create smoke-free areas in outdoor settings in state parks and historic sites. This will include places where large numbers of people congregate like playgrounds and pools.

The new policy will create smoke-free areas around all playgrounds, swimming pools and other zones that are specifically designated as no-smoking areas. Specific swimming beaches or areas of swimming beaches; pavilions and picnic shelters; outdoor seating areas that are nearby food and beverage concessions; areas where outdoor environmental education programs are held; or public gardens may be included in the new policy.

"State Parks and Historic Sites should be healthy and clean places for our visitors, especially our youngest guests," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey in a statement. "It makes sense to ensure all visitors have a place to go in our parks to enjoy fresh air, while also protecting children playing at our pools and playgrounds from the dangers of second-hand smoke and reducing litter from discarded cigarette butts."

This spring, State Parks will install and maintain signs at each outdoor location where smoking is prohibited and smoking will continue to be allowed outdoors in other places within the 330,000-acre state park system. For example, smoking will still be allowed in state park campsites.

Below is a listing of the designated non-smoking areas in New York State Parks:

Designated No Smoking Areas in State Parks