Butler County metroparks does not allow OC per park rules. They apparently allow (per the rules...I know 9.68 trumps) concealed carry of handgun, but again not OC of handgun or rifle. After performing a general internet search I found a post from 2007 from this site (appeared dead and not much said) and a one from 2012 from another Ohio CCW site with no follow-up (except posted email response below). Due to the age and the response provided, it should be revisited not because those using this site (as many of us may know the law on OC), but rather help fellow gun carriers. Many are from out of state that visit these parks and end up leaving their weapon in their hotel, which may leave them defenseless. Our great 9.68 trumps, but many don't even know about it or just don't care. In this case the directors of the board seem to just not care as they were informed about it and responded.
Per a posted email, one director (Jonathan R. Granville, Executive Director MetroParks of Butler County) reportedly had this to say:
"We appreciate your comments in regard to the open carry provisions of state law and the apparent conflict with the language of MetroParks Rules and Regulations. You are correct that state law always trumps local ordinances whenever there is a conflict. Recent court cases from across the state support your contention regarding open carry rights regardless of the possession of a concealed carry permit.
Our Park Rules and Regulations are due for an up-date to eliminate such conflicts, address present park system needs and increase clarity. Locally, you may be interested to know, our Ranger staff have never issued a citation based on the specific section of our Rules and Regulations which is the subject of your email and, under present circumstances, our officers will not do so.
However, your communication is very timely. We are in the process of rebuilding our Ranger Dept. and a rewrite of its public safety operating policies and existing Park Rules and Rules will take place in the coming months.
Thank you for taking the time to alert us to the potential conflict for had we been unaware the rights of responsible gun owners might have abridged."
Well, with that said back in 2012, we are now toward the end of 2016 and the rules appear to remain unchanged http://www.butlercountymetroparks.org/documents/rules.pdf
Does anyone within this forum possibly know any of these people involved in the Butler County metroparks so that a fix can actually be made or maybe a better way to move forward?
Per a posted email, one director (Jonathan R. Granville, Executive Director MetroParks of Butler County) reportedly had this to say:
"We appreciate your comments in regard to the open carry provisions of state law and the apparent conflict with the language of MetroParks Rules and Regulations. You are correct that state law always trumps local ordinances whenever there is a conflict. Recent court cases from across the state support your contention regarding open carry rights regardless of the possession of a concealed carry permit.
Our Park Rules and Regulations are due for an up-date to eliminate such conflicts, address present park system needs and increase clarity. Locally, you may be interested to know, our Ranger staff have never issued a citation based on the specific section of our Rules and Regulations which is the subject of your email and, under present circumstances, our officers will not do so.
However, your communication is very timely. We are in the process of rebuilding our Ranger Dept. and a rewrite of its public safety operating policies and existing Park Rules and Rules will take place in the coming months.
Thank you for taking the time to alert us to the potential conflict for had we been unaware the rights of responsible gun owners might have abridged."
Well, with that said back in 2012, we are now toward the end of 2016 and the rules appear to remain unchanged http://www.butlercountymetroparks.org/documents/rules.pdf
Does anyone within this forum possibly know any of these people involved in the Butler County metroparks so that a fix can actually be made or maybe a better way to move forward?
