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Coalition advocates smoke-free playgrounds in Catskill village

By Colin DeVries

CATSKILL — Secondhand smoke results in at least 38,000 deaths and more than one million illnesses in children each year in the United States, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

To combat the threat of secondhand smoke or exposure to toxic cigarette butts, the Rip Van Winkle Tobacco-Free Coalition has asked the village of Catskill to adopt a smoke-free playground policy.

“Every couple years we do a community survey,” said coalition advocate Ruth Gutman, “the most recent one was in 2006, and 70 percent of respondents from Greene County believe that children’s playgrounds should be smoke free.”

Gutham said that the initiative in the village of Catskill hopes to mirror that of the city of Hudson and the town Greenport, who have both adopted policies for smoke-free playgrounds, parks and public beaches.

If the policy were adopted by the village, a custom made sign would be installed at all local playground areas and the coalition would cover the cost of the signs.

When asked about the legal ramifications if the policy were to be enacted, Gutham responded that there usually isn’t a need for a local law banning smoking in playgrounds, just the adoption of a policy and signage for deterrence.

Gutham mentioned that she observed several cigarette butts around children’s play areas. “It’s not only litter, but cigarette butts are also toxic,” she said.

Village officials said they would explore the option of adopting the policy but indicated that many of the parks are mixed use and it may disrupt adult activities or events.

The focus on children’s play areas, specifically, is currently under review by the village, said Village President Vincent Seeley.

More information on the Rip Van Winkle Tobacco-Free Coalition is available online at www.rvwtobaccofree.org.

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