Williamson County Commission Bans Guns in Parks

Published June 24, 2010

Williamson County students will continue to use county parks for athletic, extra-curricular and school events following the Williamson County Commission's decision June 14 to opt out of the guns in parks legislation. By a vote of 19-5, commissioners decided in favor of a resolution that would prohibit anyone, including handgun carry permit holders, from bringing a firearm into a park.

Many of the county's 28 parks and recreational facilities are used by the district's baseball, softball, soccer and tennis teams.

Williamson County School Board members had said they would cancel any school use of local parks if the Commission had not voted to opt out of the guns in parks legislation.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to bear arms, Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney said the safety of children will always come first.

"Weapons do have a place in society," said Looney, "But I do not believe guns and students should be at the same place, especially guns and sporting events."