by Mike Zale, Ogden Town Supervisor
My wife and I recently took our four boys on a trip, and along the way we passed a Friendly’s Restaurant. I didn’t realize any were still operating, so it caught my attention. I did the typical “Dad” thing and said, “Back in my day…” and told them how I used to work at Friendly’s working the “Fountain,” making all the ice cream sundaes. We also started talking about how strange it was that, not so long ago, you could have a smoking section and a non-smoking section right next to each other in the same restaurant. The boys couldn’t quite wrap their heads around it — and they weren’t wrong for being confused. It really was silly to think the non-smoking section was somehow safe from the harms of secondhand smoke, something we’re now much more aware of.
That same logic applies to our public spaces today. Parks are meant to be places for fresh air, physical activity, and community connection — not for secondhand smoke or clouds of vapor. Families want to feel comfortable letting their kids run free without exposure to harmful chemicals, and many adults — whether dealing with asthma, allergies, or other health concerns — are sensitive to lingering smoke or vapor in the air. The Town has long had this policy in our parks and on our property, but when we searched our Town Code we recognized that this policy was never enacted into law.
That’s why the Town Board is introducing Local Law No. 3 of 2025, which would prohibit smoking and vaping in all Town-owned parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. This applies to all substances, including tobacco and cannabis. It also reinforces existing state laws that prohibit the use, possession, or sale of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia in these areas.
Our parks are among the most valued places in our community — where kids learn to play, neighbors gather, and families make memories. This law is about keeping that experience clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
The proposal recognizes that while adults have the right to make personal choices, those choices shouldn’t come at the expense of others’ health or enjoyment of public spaces. By creating smoke-free and vape-free zones, the Town hopes to protect vulnerable populations, reduce litter from cigarette butts and vaping cartridges, and set a positive example for younger residents.
A public hearing on the proposed law will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. at the Ogden Community Center. The full text is available at the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours.
Quick Facts:
Local Law No. 3 –
Smoking & Vaping in Parks
•Ban in All Parks and Playgrounds: Prohibits smoking and vaping in any Town-owned park, playground, or public recreation area.
•Applies to All Substances: Includes tobacco, cannabis, and any other substance.
•Public Health Focus: Reduces exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor, protects children, seniors, and those with health conditions.
•Litter Reduction: Aims to reduce cigarette butts, vape cartridges, and related waste in public spaces.
•Reinforces State Law: Maintains prohibition on controlled substances and drug paraphernalia in parks.
