Parks and Playgrounds
Tobacco free parks, playgrounds and outdoor spaces are important to the health of our children!
Each day children in the Finger Lakes visit our parks to use the playground equipment, play team sports, or just be outside with their friends and family.
Cigarette butts are 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.
Secondhand smoke is harmful.
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.
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.
What you can do to make Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Areas Smoke-Free?
Each day children in the Finger Lakes visit our parks to use the playground equipment, play team sports, or just be outside with their friends and family.
Cigarette butts are 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.
Secondhand smoke is harmful.
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.
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.
What you can do to make Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Areas Smoke-Free?
- Join community members throughout the Finger Lakes who are speaking out.
- Contact your local government representatives through letter, email or phone calls and express your support for Smoke-Free Parks and Playgrounds.
- Join TACFL to work on this issue.