Can I bring my gun? Allendale defers to state on park gun rules

Cathy Runyon | Advance Newspapers By Cathy Runyon | Advance Newspapers
on April 12, 2012 at 7:05 PM, updated April 16, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Guns may be all right at the Allendale Township’s parks, but fireworks are definitely out in the updated draft of park rules being reviewed by the Township Board.

The section detailing rules for firearms was flagged by attorney Dan Martin, who told the board that a detailed list of prohibitions could backfire since state law could preempt local regulations.

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Mike Wieringa said he believes Martin is correct, based on a local incident. Last year at the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Christopher Fetters, an off-duty Air Force Security Officer was openly carrying a holstered pistol, which is legal under Michigan law, as in most states. He was arrested and detained and charged with a violation of a Grand Haven city ordinance prohibiting open carry of firearms. Fetters filed a lawsuit against the city and won.
“Michigan law prohibits local units of government from making any law with respect to firearms, (MCL 123.1102.) The public policy goal of the statute is to provide a uniform system of gun laws statewide so that citizens do not have to guess regarding what local rules might exist as they move from one locality to the next,” according to information about the case on the website of the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners.

Allendale's rule lists exceptions, naming law enforcement officers or others who carry a gun in connection with their employment and are on duty, and military ceremonial events. The rule also makes provision for written permission to carry a weapon for other situations. A separate section deals with hunting, which is prohibited. 
Georgetown Township's park regulations contain this section. "No person shall bring into the park, possess or control, within the park, any bow and arrow, pistol, rifle, gun, shotgun or other firearm, unless such item is disassembled and contained in a locked or sealed container. Hunting. No person shall hunt within the township park or shall fire or shoot or prepare to fire or shoot any rifle, gun, pistol, or other firearm, and bow and arrow within the township park at any prescribed, stationary, or moving target, or carry on the activity commonly known as target practice."

Allendale’s rules state that fireworks displays are allowed with written permission, but "firecrackers, rockets, sparklers, or other fireworks or any substance of any explosive or dangerous nature" are out. If revisions are adopted, the park will close at 11 p.m., instead of at dark. 
The revised rules will be considered in May before a final vote.