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Seattle Bans Guns at Park & Rec Facilities11-17-09 | News
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Seattle Bans Guns at Park & Rec Facilities




"When children and families visit a Seattle parks and recreation pool, playground, community center or other facility, they are entitled to a reasonable expectation of safety."?EUR??,,????'?????<

A ban on guns, specifically to protect children, went into effect Oct. 14, 2009 for ?EUR??,,????'?????<

213 ballfields
139 playgrounds and play areas
82 outdoor tennis and basketball courts
30 wading pools and water play areas
26 community centers
10 pools
9 swimming beaches
6 late-night rec sites
5 golf courses
3 teen-life centers
2 skate parks
Tennis center, performing arts center
Environmental learning centers

As with all laws, the ban has its critics; some questioned its ?EUR??,,????'?????< The ban includes those with permits to carry concealed weapons.

The city's position, said Mayor Nickels, is that a municipal-property owner by the city can impose a ban on firearms as a condition of entry to a park and rec facility, particularly those where children and young people are likely to be.

The office of the Washington State Attorney General has a different position. In a 2008 opinion, the office noted state law pre-empts local authority to adopt firearms regulations.

The parks and recreation facilities where the ban is in effect will have signs posted, according to the mayor?EUR??,,????'?????<

A news release from the mayor?EUR??,,????'?????<

While it seems unlikely an officer would be on hand, if said gun toting person doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<

Four gun-rights groups, including the National Rifle Association, are suing the city of Seattle and Mayor Greg Nickels over the new gun ban.

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