Can you play airsoft in public?

no, because people may get hurt when they are walking by and will complain

It also might be illegal where you live (for example in California).

The reason people are pushing for stricter laws against airsoft is because of people who are stupid and irresponsible enough to play in public places. People just passing buy could be seriously hurt, and police officers could mistake airsoft guns for real guns and end up shooting someone for real.