The village of Albion has announced the first tobacco free park and recreation policy in Orleans County. With the adoption of the policy on June 28 and the delivery of the signs by Virginia Cigarette Smoke Free NOW, residents will enjoy cleaner air and reduced litter while visiting any one of the five village parks, said Kevin Keenan, coordinator for the Smoke Free NOW program.
Village trustees voted to pass the policy after John Grillo, chairman of the recreation committee, and other committee members unanimously recommended the initiative to the board at their bi-monthly meeting.
Fred Miller, village trustee for the parks, praised the board’s decision.
“Quitting smoking is the smartest thing I ever did,” said Miller, who kicked the habit in 1990. “I hope the adoption of the tobacco free parks initiative will inspire others to quit.”
The tobacco free parks and playgrounds initiative is part of a campaign sponsored by the tobacco control prevention program of New York State. Smoke Free NOW continues to assist other municipalities throughout Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to adopt similar policies.