CHARLES CITY - The Charles City Park and Recreation Board may recommend the City Council ban smoking during organized activities in public parks.

Steve Lindaman, park and recreation director, said the ban would help maintain "a healthy, clean park atmosphere."

Secondhand smoke is one concern, he added, but another is unsightly cigarette butts left on the ground during events, such as Party in the Park and the Fourth of July celebration.

Lindaman consulted City Attorney Ralph Smith, who reportedly told him he wants to study the new state law banning smoking at bars and restaurants. That law goes into effect July 1. Smith said he wants to see if smoking might automatically be banned at outdoor events that have a beer permit, Lindaman said.

Even if smoking might be prohibited in such a situation, an open question exists about park events where alcohol is not present, Lindaman said. Those would include municipal band concerts.

Another question is whether people could smoke while standing on the curb or in the street next to the park, Lindaman said.

"We've got some hoops to jump through yet," he said.

If the city does impose a ban, Lindaman said the ordinance would likely not happen until after July 1.

Contact Mary Pieper

at mary.pieper@globegazette.com.