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By Pauli Mayfield, WQAD-TV Reporter

BETTENDORF, Iowa — The Bettendorf Park Board is considering a policy that would address the tattoos, piercings and attire that a guest is allowed to display at their city facilities.

Last summer at Splash Landing water park, a patron complained about another patron’s tattoo — stating it was inappropriate. The staff member asked the guest to cover their tattoo but the guest decided to leave instead.

Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Director, Steve Grimes says he understands every situation may not end like this. The new policy would help the staff members know how to handle the situation in the future.

Grimes says the policy would address issues of “decency” of tattoos that are allowed to be displayed.

“We certainly want to respect people’s right to expression and at the same time, we want to respect a families’ right to have a family environment. We have to find a balance,” said Grimes.

We spoke with local business owner and tattoo artist, Ron O’Tool who says the proposed restrictions are just not acceptable.

“It definitely goes against everything the First Amendment stands for,” said O’Tool.

He says he can understand where an inappropriate tattoo could cause an issue but to distinguish what is and isn’t appropriate is “up to scrutiny” and “against our rights.”

Grimes says the policy is in the very first stages and is just currently being discussed. There is no timeline for a possible vote on the issue.

*WQAD.com has the video report of this story.