Several Tempe parks have adopted a smoke free policy in an effort to encourage healthy communities and enhance experiences at the city’s highest density green spaces. Read more here and view frequently asked questions below.

What is the smoke free policy?
Effective July 29, 2024, Tempe has implemented a smoke free policy at several of the city’s high use, high density parks. At these parks, smoking and e-cigarette use are prohibited.  These parks include:

This list includes parks with high use or density, as well as parks that share space with schools or recreation facilities. Smoking is already restricted in Tempe’s preserves and recreation facilities.

Where is smoking allowed?
Smoking is currently permitted at all other City of Tempe parks, as well as on public right of ways, such as sidewalks. 

Why has Tempe adopted this policy?
Tempe has adopted this policy to encourage healthy communities and enhance visitor experiences at the city’s highest use parks. Smoke-free environments can help promote health, enhance park experiences and protect the environment from smoking-related litter.

Tempe is joining several other Arizona cities that have restricted smoking in parks, including Phoenix, Goodyear and Flagstaff.

The National Recreation and Park Association supports smoke free parks and has taken a stance against tobacco consumption in parks, encouraging all agencies to ban the practice. The benefits cited include healthier recreational environments that promote physical activity, less tobacco use initiation among youth and adult visitors, and cleaner parks that are free of secondhand smoke and cigarette butts.

What will happen if I smoke at a park that has a smoke free policy?
An educational period will last through Sept. 1 with a focus on providing information to the community about these changes. Stickers will be installed on the code of conduct signs at each smoke free park. Following the education period, citations could be issued, though the focus will be on providing information and corrective action first.

Will Tempe create smoke free zones at all city parks?
A proposed code change to enact smoke free zones at all city parks could move forward this fall.