Foothills Park & Rec District proposes prohibiting concealed carry of firearms

In April, the Foothills Park & Recreation District affirmed an open carry firearm ban. In June (no meeting minutes posted as of this date, April minutes shared below), the Board of Directors discussed banning concealed carry firearms as well. According to an article by Complete Colorado (below), it may be on August's agenda to complete the discussion, take public comments, and make a decision.

From June 22 Board Meeting Packet/ April 22 Record of Proceedings:

E. Firearms in Facilities Policy
Mr. Hopp said the Board asked to have this agenda item placed on this board meeting to consider a policy related to firearms in District facilities. As a result, staff conducted due diligence with other entities. District Counsel, Paul Rufien, conducted legal research. Referring to the memo provided, Mr. Hopp listed what other similar type entities have implemented. Board discussion ensued. Mr. Rufien discussed open carry and concealed carry. He had researched this subject 18 years ago and research he did this go around was to see if there are any updates or definitions or clarity added to it, and there hasn’t been. There have been a few attempts to dial it back, each of those have failed, so the law has withstood each time it has been tested within the legislature, he discussed. He reiterated from what he has seen, consistent with what the policies the surveyed entities are adopting, the District can ban a whole lot of things from facilities, concealed carry firearms are not among them. There was discussion and questions were answered. Mr. Rufien suggested the District can build into the contracts, a prohibition against concealed carry, and elaborated. It was confirmed the District does not have a policy for no open carry, it is a law that a person cannot open carry. Discussion continued. Mr. Rufien discussed signage, and adding a provision to contracts. Mr. Hopp discussed whether signage is enforceable. He pointed out the Hyland Hills policy on page two of the memo. Open carry can be banned, but not concealed carry was discussed. Director Meyer recommended to ban open carry and in contracts, put no weapons. There was discussion about banning weapons on current contracts or moving forward. Director Bielkiewicz recommended enacting something worded like the Hyland Hills policy now and giving Mr. Rufien time to research the contract issue.

MOTION: Director Meyer moved that the Foothills Park & Recreation District prohibit carrying open firearms of any kind at all of its parks, buildings, and facilities pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 29-11.7-104. Director Bielkiewicz seconded the motion. Poll of the Board: Director Butman, aye; Director Bielkiewicz, aye; Director Meyer, aye; Director Trimble, aye; Director James, aye. The motion was approved.

Mr. Hopp confirmed staff will figure out the signage and implementation strategy.

Director Meyer asked Mr. Rufien to follow up on what the District can do for contracts as they get renewed, what language to include, and whether anything can be done to implement it with existing contracts, whether it can be done through rules and regulations.

Foothills Park & Recreation District Board Meeting Information
Foothills Board of Directors meetings are held at the Peak Community & Wellness Center, 6612 S. Ward St., Littleton, CO 80127. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m., length of meetings vary based on the agenda. Time for public comment is always provided.

Board meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month, except for November and December when they occur on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.


Jefferson County parks & rec district to take up concealed carry ban as gun rights fight goes local
By Sherrie Peif, Complete Colorado Page 2, July 13, 2021

FPRD Executive Director Ronald Hopp confirmed to Complete Colorado that the board has asked its staff to bring forward a concealed carry ban to a future meeting, but was not sure when that would be.

“Given the new legislation that was approved by the governor and the legislature … they asked to have an agenda item to consider adding concealed carry to that prohibition.”

Under SB-256, which was signed by Governor Polis on June 19, however, local governments, which include special taxing districts like FPRD, “can enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory that is not less restrictive than state laws governing the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of the firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory.”

Jefferson County Sheriff won’t enforce Foothills concealed carry ban; says civil offense the district’s responsibility
By Sherrie Peif, Complete Colorado Page 2, July 16, 2021

“Such a resolution or rule “may only impose a civil penalty for a violation and require the person to leave the premises” Shrader’s letter quoted from the bill. “The law is clear that for special districts, a violation is a civil offense and not a criminal offense; therefore, my office will not enforce a resolution or rule that would ban a lawfully permitted individual from carrying a concealed handgun on Foothills’ property. Rather, Foothills would be solely responsible for enforcement of a resolution or rule, if enacted.”

According to Shrader’s letter, the board intends to discuss the proposal at its Aug. 24 meeting. Shrader asked that his letter be considered as part of the board’s decision-making process.

Concealed means concealed. Impossible to enforce unless you want to add metal detectors.

I haven't heard about this but was just wondering if there has been a rash of crimes of some kind or intimidation by legal firearm carrying citizens that would warrant this move? What is the problem these people are trying to fix?

Why do they insist on passing more laws that won't be enforced? Especially when there is no demand for them? Do they just want to stifle freedom? Or do they prefer women hikers to be unarmed victims?