A note from Larry Scott Blackmon, Deputy Commissioner for Community Outreach. Since our garden is governed by NYC Park rules, the no smoking rule also applies to all areas within our garden.
Dear Friends,
Today is the day that the law banning smoking within New York City’s parks, beaches, and pedestrian plazas goes into effect and smoking is now prohibited on Park’s property.
It is very important that our partners and friends take the lead and set an example for New Yorkers by following this new law and refraining from smoking on Parks property.
You’ll note that smoking will still be allowed on sidewalks outside parks, including the sidewalks that form the perimeter of parks and in the parking lots of all Parks properties. We expect that the new law will be enforced mostly by New Yorkers themselves, who will ask people to follow the law and stop smoking. However, those who violate the new law could receive a $50 ticket.
We have posted signs throughout our properties and provided information on how to quit smoking to those who need it. We encourage anyone who wants to quit smoking to call 311 or 866-NYQUITS, or visit nysmokefree.com.
We work hard to ensure that tens of millions of people—New Yorkers and visitors alike—enjoy our public parks year round, and we hope this new law ensures an even healthier and cleaner experience at our parks and beaches.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with your neighbors. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to call my office at (212) 360-3484.
Sincerely,
Larry Scott Blackmon
Deputy Commissioner for Community Outreach