Tobacco free parks, playgrounds and outdoor spaces are important to the health of all but especially our children!
Each day children in Cayuga County visit our parks to use the playground equipment, play team sports, or just be outside with their friends and family.
Secondhand smoke is harmful.
Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke in areas of public access and recreation improves the quality of the air we share.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from colds, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Secondhand smoke is especially dangerous to children and adults with asthma or chronic illnesses.
Tobacco litter is hazardous.
Many cigarette butts end up on the ground. Young children and pets may pick up the butts and put them in their mouth, possibly choking or burning themselves. The harmful chemicals and nicotine in discarded cigarettes can be toxic and even fatal to a small child or pet.
Children Model Adult Behaviors.
When children see adults smoking in a family-friendly place like a park, they think smoking is acceptable and are more likely to copy the behavior.
Our children deserve a clean, safe place to play.
Enjoy a Breath of Fresh Air. What you can do to make Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Areas Smoke-Free?
Over 200 municipalities in New York State have adopted tobacco-free policies for their parks, beaches and playgrounds, including several in Cayuga County:
  • City of Auburn
  • Town of Conquest
  • Village of Weedsport
The Cayuga County Tobacco Free Partnership can provide:
Want to Get Involved? You can help get tobacco out of our community by…
  • Writing a letter of support for reducing or eliminating tobacco use in recreational areas and send it to the Partnership. Here is a sample letter of support that can be used or tailored to assist you in your efforts of support.
  • Joining our Community Coalition. Contact the Partnership for more information about meeting dates and times.
  • Inviting the Partnership to present an educational seminar to your municipality representatives.
  • Contacting your local legislators. Ask them to support a resolution to reduce or eliminate tobacco use in recreational areas.
  • Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the importance of tobacco free recreational areas. Here is a Tobacco Free Outdoor Fact Sheet that may be helpful to get started.