Smoking is prohibited in this park
We did get around to visiting Yates Mill today and had a great time. About the time we were wrapping up our visit, I asked a staff person inside about the park’s smoking policy.
He told me that the park generally does not have an issue with smokers ignoring the rule. Most are understanding when he’s had to explain it to them but occasionally some get angry. He said he doesn’t want to appear to be the bad guy and usually explains that rules are rules.
He said that the park staff usually don’t bother people who smoke in their cars. He admitted that the rule against is hard to enforce but most people seem to understand. He thought people bringing dogs was a bigger problem, as dogs are also not allowed in the park.
It was my impression that most people do seem to understand, as the park was positively spotless! I didn’t see any trash anywhere during our multiple-hour visit. Even on the mile-long Creekside Trail there was no trash (cigarette butts or otherwise) anywhere to be seen.
I don’t recall seeing no smoking signs being prominent in the park, actually. The only place I saw it was on the glass doors of the interpretive center. Not one of the signs I took pictures of mentioned smoking. I suppose somehow the word gets out though I’m not sure how.
Yates Mill shows that a no-smoking policy in a park can be successfully implemented.