From their parking lots to all passive and recreational park spaces, Branford's outdoor public parks are now all smoke-free zones, thanks to a policy enacted by the Branford Parks and Recreation Commission in August.  The policy bans park visitors from smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and "other devices that produce smoke," such as electronic cigarettes and water pipes.

The board stated the policy was adopted to provide a "healthier and safer environment for the residents of Branford," and in keeping with the Branford Parks and Recreation philosophy of providing "positive leisure time and promoting physical and emotional enrichment."

A flyer prepared by Branford Parks and Recreation reports second-hand smoke levels in outdoor areas can be equal to inside levels where smoking is allowed. The flyer also shares that the U.S. Surgeon General and the national Center for Disease Control have both reported there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

The policy states, "Smoking is prohibited at all properties under the control of the Branford Recreational Department at all times, including but not limited to; buildings, grounds, entrances, sidewalks, parking lots and beaches. Smoking is defined as the use of: cigarettes, pipes, cigars and other devices that produce smoke, including electronic cigarettes and water pipes."