Town Board Adopts Smoke-Free Parks Legislation

The Hempstead Town Board adopted legislation Tuesday morning that prohibits all smoking at the town's 100 parks, except in designated areas.

These areas will be located away from playing fields and courts, playgrounds, pools and pool decks, concession areas, bleachers and waterfront beach areas.

"From swimming and ice skating to basketball, walking and playground activities, Hempstead Town parks are part and parcel of a healthy lifestyle," stated Hemsptead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "Restricting smoking at these facilities makes good common sense and protects children and other neighbors from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke."

The Town Board voted to pass this new law after they were approached by the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island about how to make parks and beaches healthier.

Carol Meschkow of the Coalition spoke at Town Board meetings on the dangers of second-hand smoke and subsequent conversations resulted in the smoke free parks legislation.

"Reducing tobacco use is an effective investment in our next generation, and Supervisor Murray and the Town of Hempstead have clearly placed their children's future as the number one priority, and we couldn't be more pleased," she stated.

"This new legislation is an important step in protecting the health of our residents," added Councilwoman Angie Cullin. "Smoking is known to cause cancer and has no place in areas where families and children are exercising and enjoying other healthy pursuits."

Supporting Statistics

Hempstead officials and the Tobacco Action Coalition released some sobering statistics and other information in support of the new proposal:

• Approximately 25,000 adults in New York die from cigarette smoking annually, and nearly 21,000 children under the age of 18 become daily smokers in the state each year.
• Second-hand smoke contains over 40 cancer-causing substances, and the Surgeon General has declared that there is no safe level of second-hand smoke.
• The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified second-hand smoke in the same category as radon, benzene and asbestos as far as its carcinogenic designation.