RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-1009

A resolution requesting the Director of the Metropolitan Parks and Recreation Department to provide the Council with a list of rural and/or isolated parks and greenways for purposes of a possible exemption from the prohibition on carrying handguns.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee General Assembly recently amended state law to allow persons with a valid handgun carry permit to possess a handgun in any state or local park; and

WHEREAS, this new state law allows local governments, upon the approval of the local legislative body, to prohibit such persons from possessing a handgun in any county or municipality-owned park; and

WHEREAS, on August 18, 2009, the Metropolitan Council enacted Ordinance No. BL2009-489 to opt the Metro Parks out of the state law that would have allowed handgun carry permit holders to carry guns in the parks; and

WHEREAS, there are a number of parks and greenways within the Metro Parks system that are in a rural or isolated area of Davidson County, which are not frequently patrolled by the Parks Police or the Metropolitan Police Department; and

WHEREAS, given the isolated nature of these parks, it may be appropriate that some of these be exempted from the prohibition on carrying handguns in parks so that lawful handgun carry permit holders will have the protection they need.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Director of the Metropolitan Parks and Recreation Department to provide the Council with a list of rural and/or isolated parks and greenways for purposes of a possible exemption from the prohibition on carrying handguns.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Parks Director Roy Wilson and to each member of the Board of Parks and Recreation.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Sam Coleman

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