Ask Mr. Answer Person: "Is cigarette smoking allowed in city parks?"

Water Street Park

David has noticed the cigarette butts left on the bricks of the new Water Street Park and has asked Mr. Answer Person "Is it legal to smoke in city parks?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "No, it's not!  Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird says city parks, like other public spaces in Iowa, are covered by the Iowa's Smoke Free Air Act.  That legislation is best known for regulating smoking in places like restaurants.

But the law also covers "public spaces."  The Smokefree Air Act restricts smoking in certain areas of state, county and city parks and recreational facilities. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed buildings or shelters on park property.  The Smokefree Air Act does not apply to Federal parks.

In order for the law to be enforced, "No Smoking" signs must be posted.  Bird says he'll contact the city's Street Department to post "No Smoking" signs at Water Street Park.