Edward Gately

The Republic | azcentral.com

No firearms allowed is being removed from signs at town parks

Councilwoman Ginny Dickey voted against the amendment

Fountain Hills resident Richard Davidson expressed concerns about removing the prohibition from the signs

Fountain Hills plans to make clear that legal firearms are allowed in its parks, as required by a state law approved by the Arizona Legislature in 2010.

At its Sept. 18 meeting, the Town Council approved an amendment to the town code that reverses a ban on firearms at all town-owned parks, including Fountain Park, the town's major tourist attraction. Councilwoman Ginny Dickey voted against the amendment.

The amendment resulted after a resident complained about seeing signs prohibiting firearms at town parks.

The state law requiring municipalities to allow legal firearms in their parks has been in place for some time, while the town didn't remove signs saying no firearms at its parks, said Town Attorney Andrew McGuire.

The firearms prohibition is listed on the signs stating what's not allowed in town-owned parks, such as unleashed dogs and glass beverage containers. The firearms prohibition is being removed from all of the signs.

"This is the state law so we have to do it," said Mayor Linda Kavanagh.

Dickey said the Legislature has continually demanded that the town bow to its positions, "and yes, (allowing) firearms at the splash pad is that." The splash pad is an outdoor play area for children at Fountain Park.

"We are not being served by this Legislature," she said. "I won't support this."

Richard Davidson, a Fountain Hills resident, told the council he is concerned about the safety and image of the town, and that allowing firearms at parks sends the message that firearms are "how we solve problems" as opposed to relying on local law enforcement and civil dialogue.

"I'm concerned about where this complaint came from," he said. "I hate to see the town make that statement."

Councilman Henry Leger said he "reluctantly" voted for the amendment. He didn't elaborate.

Also during the meeting, the council discussed naming the Avenue of the Fountains medians once a makeover is completed in November and the area is designated as a park. Some council members came up with suggestions, such as Avenue Central, but the council decided instead to hold a contest in which residents can choose the name for the park.

The project includes new electrical and irrigation systems, mechanical enclosures, new water features, plazas and entry features, a new brick-paver pedestrian pathway, locations for public art and improved landscaping.

It also includes eight shade canopies, pathway lighting and uplighting in reserved spaces for art pieces. The makeover should be completed before the Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts in mid-November.

The council instructed the town's tourism marketing staff to seek input from residents and return to the council with recommendations in early November.