Updated Oct 15, 2009 - 11:11 am
New Seattle gun restrictions take effect
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A controversial new rule prohibiting the possession of firearms in areas where children are present went into effect in Seattle Wednesday.
"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," Mayor Greg Nickels said in a news release.
Firearms are also prohibited from sports fields and courts, beaches, skateparks, and golf courses.
In a live interview on the KIRO Morning News on Thursday Nickels said he expects someone will sue the city over the restrictions, "We worked long and hard to make sure that is is something that will pass legal muster."
Guns will only be prohibited after signs are posted at the facilities notifying people of the new rule. The signs will be posted in phases, beginning with South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S; Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St.; and Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave. N.
All facilities will be have signs posted by December 1.
-26 community centers
-four environmental learning centers
-10 pools
-30 wading pools and water play areas
-two small craft centers
-two specialized facilities (tennis center, performing
arts center)
-139 playgrounds and play areas
-213 ballfields
-six late night recreation sites
-three teen life centers
-82 outdoor tennis and basketball courts
-two skateparks
-five golf courses
-nine swimming beaches
Mayor Nickels proposed changing the rules in public places after three people were shot at Northwest Folklife Festival 2008. The suspect had a concealed weapons permit and a history of mental illness.
The city also introduced a policy requiring organizations that lease city property to take steps to prohibit guns during special events.
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