Town of Lewiston closes parks on rotation for tick treatment this summer

The Town of Lewiston is taking decisive action to combat the rising tick population in its parks this summer. With warmer weather creating favorable conditions for ticks to breed and hatch, the Town of Lewiston Recreation Department has implemented a proactive strategy to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

The CDC and Dr. Fauzia Khan from the Niagara County Department of Health have confirmed that tick season is in full swing, with emergency room visits higher than usual. In response, the Recreation Department is temporarily closing parks on a rotational basis to professionally treat the areas for ticks.

Lewiston’s strategic park closures for tick treatment

The Recreation Department, led by Tim Smithis collaborating with a professional company to spray the perimeters of parks with NYS DEC-approved chemicals. To ensure the safety of residents, the parks will be closed for 48 hoursallowing a 24-hour period for the chemicals to settle.

Smith emphasized the importance of this aggressive approach, stating, “We want to protect our town of Lewiston residents. They are our priority, especially our children, and we’re just trying to protect them.” The first park to undergo treatment will be Kiwanis Park on June 13with other parks following throughout the month.

Community response and safety measures

The town has posted the full schedule of park closures on social media to keep residents informed. Smith noted that the closures are brief, stating, “Just two days and it’s not every park at the same time, so you’ll still be able to get outside and enjoy this nice weather too.“

The community has responded positively to the initiative, with many appreciating the town’s efforts to protect our town and ensure the safety of its residents. The Recreation Department’s proactive approach serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges with tick populations.

As the summer progresses, the Town of Lewiston remains committed to maintaining safe and enjoyable park spaces for all residents and visitors. By taking a proactive stance against ticks, the town is demonstrating its dedication to public health and safety.