Lewis County parks are now officially designated “no shooting zones” after Lewis County commissioners passed two measures that would bring county gun laws closer to state laws.
Eight parks will be affected by the change.
“The state reserves the right to make all regulations on firearms and restricts cities and counties from making their own regulations,” Lewis County Commissioner Ron Averill said. “We don’t have a choice no matter how you about it.”
County gun ordinances had made it illegal to display guns in parks. The change will loosen the restriction and only make it illegal to fire guns in county parks.
Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield initially had some concerns about the change, but was pleased parks were designated “no shooting zones.”
“I’m a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights, but there has to be some responsibility,” Mansfield said. “You have the right to open carry the weapon, but you don’t have the right to fire that weapon in the park.”
Aggressive action will be taken against those who try to push the limits beyond having their guns visible by actually using them. Mansfield said there will be “zero tolerance for stupidity.” Waving them around or threatening others will not be allowed.
Using a firearm in self-defense is still allowed, as it is anywhere else.
“This is about parks that are there for our kids and our families, and some people don’t feel comfortable around guns,” Mansfield said. “They’re not there for a gun show.”
Gun bans in county and city parks were recently pushed into prominence when a Seattle ban on guns in public parks was challenged by a Kent man. A King County Superior Court judge ruled that the ban was not allowed as it came into conflict with state statutes.
However, a federal judge ruled earlier this month that the city didn’t infringe on the constitution. Guns are still allowed in Seattle parks, following the initial superior court ruling.
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Parks affected by new regulations
• Back Memorial Park
• Rose Park
• Schaefer Park
• South County Park
• Mineral Lake Swim Area
• Hopkins Hill View Point
• Claquato Church
• St. Urban Church
