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or openly displayed,by any individual,make our public recreational facilities a safer place and provide a <br /> more enjoyable experience for adults and children? <br /> Numerous scenarios immediately come to mind in which tragic outcomes might too easily result. A <br /> family picnic reunion at which an argument erupts and turns violent; a pick-up basketball game evolves into <br /> rough play; or a public meeting that escalates to a heated discussion... While altercations do occur on <br /> occasion at our parks and recreation centers,they are generally a safe environment for the citizens of our <br /> community. The possession of a deadly weapon poses a significant risk of violence by one citizen upon <br /> another. Our city possesses outstanding parks,recreation centers, and golf courses that provide wonderful <br /> opportunities for leisure, as well as organized,play, sports, and learning experiences. <br /> The Board of Park Commissioners wishes to be on the record that we strenuously object to allowing <br /> fire arms, or any other weapons, at any park and recreation facility. By this we mean that under no <br /> circumstances do we countenance any weapons on park property. A citizen committing a violent act on <br /> another citizen should be illegal and treated as a police matter. At the June Park Board meeting a resolution <br /> was passed unanimously to express the above position as well as the Board's opposition to the recent <br /> legislation. <br /> It is the intent of the Park Board to contact: <br /> 1) News media with its concern; <br /> 2) The Indiana Parks and Recreation Association to state its position and request the Association's support; <br /> 3) All legislators,voicing the board's opposition and public safety concerns; <br /> 4) Local governmental groups and individuals voicing the Board's position. <br /> Let it be absolutely clear that the Park Board members are not opposed to the ownership of firearms, or <br /> other appropriate weapons. However,whether or not they are registered,they have no place at public <br /> recreation sites. Let's keep our parks a safe and positive environment for all of the community's individuals <br /> and families. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Robert Henry,President <br /> Robert Goodrich,Vice President <br /> Thomas Kelly <br /> Garrett Mullins <br /> Board of Park Commissioners <br /> South Bend Parks and Recreation Department <br />