Albany, NY (WIBX) - Visitors to New York state parks this summer may find breathing a little easier.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation says that public places including playgrounds, beaches and swimming pools will now be smoke free.

Crews have begun putting up signs at locations across the state advising people of the new smoke free rules.

The American Lung Association is applauding the plan.

They say about 2,500 New Yorkers die each year from exposure to second hand smoke.

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