Ogdensburg council to revisit tobacco-free policy for city parks

The Ogdensburg City Council plans to revisit a proposal that would prohibit smoking and tobacco use at city-owned recreational properties, including parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, facilities, spectator areas and related parking areas. The matter was discussed at the council’s Sept. 14 meeting after the city received a letter from the Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities program, which operates through the Seaway Valley Prevention Council and is funded by the New York State Department of Health.

City officials said the proposal will be researched and sent to the Recreation Commission for review and a recommendation. The program said a tobacco-free policy could reduce exposure to smoke and aerosol, limit tobacco litter and provide positive role modeling for youth. It also offered guidance, educational materials and signs for the city.