I would like to commend the city of Durango and Cathy Metz, Parks and Recreation director, for updating trail and park signs that reflect our local smoke-free law. The Durango Smoke-Free Public Places Ordinance was passed in November 2012 by the City Council and made city-owned parks, playgrounds, bus stops and the Animas River Trail (and adjacent greenway) smoke-free. By investing in accurate signage, it is apparent to me that the city is committed to health and understands the community’s values.

As a parent of two young children, I strongly support the smoke-free ordinance because the health of my children is my utmost concern. According to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General’s 50th Anniversary report, in the last few decades, more than 2.5 million nonsmokers and 100,000 babies have died as a result of secondhand smoke. The evidence of the detrimental health consequences caused by tobacco use is indisputable, and prevention is a key component to saving lives. The smoke-free ordinance is a major component in efforts to prevent secondhand smoke contact for children and people who do not smoke.

Residents of Durango, I ask that you show your pride of our smoke-free public places by giving smokers a friendly reminder and help keep our community strong and healthy.

Deina M. Barton

Durango