§ 12-27. Firearms; explosives; alcoholic beverages; drugs; dangerous substances.

It shall be unlawful for any person to bring into or have in his possession:

(a)

Firearms. No person shall carry, possess or use any firearm or other dangerous weapon upon any park property, save and except a permitted concealed handgun in accordance with G.S. 14-415.11(c). However, pursuant to G.S. 14-415.23, permitted concealed handguns are prohibited in any municipal recreation facility as defined herein. For the purposes of this section, a municipal recreation facility is defined as follows: (1) an athletic field, including any appurtenant facilities such as restrooms, during an organized athletic event if the field had been scheduled for use with the municipality office responsible for operation of the park or recreational area; (2) a swimming pool, including any appurtenant facilities used for dressing, storage of personal items, or other uses relating to the swimming pool; and (3) a facility used for athletic events, including, but not limited to, a gymnasium. For the purposes of this section, the term "recreational facilities" does not include any greenway, designated biking or walking path, an area that is customarily used as a walkway or bike path although not specifically designated for such use, open areas or fields where athletic events may occur unless the area qualifies as an "athletic field" defined above. The following recreational facilities are specifically identified by the city in compliance with G.S. 14-415.23:

(1)

Village Park, splashpad, and an area twenty (20) feet in width around this facility.

(2)

Reserved.

(3)

Bakers Creek Park tennis courts, golf area, ballfield, basketball courts, and an area twenty (20) feet in width around these facilities inclusive of seating areas.

(4)

Walter M. Safrit Park ballfields and an area twenty (20) feet in width around these facilities inclusive of seating areas.

(5)

CMC-NE Baseball Stadium entire complex within fenced area and within twenty (20) feet thereof.

(6)

(i)

Nothing in this section shall preclude the holder of a concealed handgun permit from securing a handgun in a locked vehicle, within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or area within or on the motor vehicle at the recreation facility.

(ii)

This section shall not apply to law enforcement or other government personnel acting within the scope of their employment.

(iii)

The city manager shall post conspicuous notice at appropriate locations at, on, or within each recreational facility that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited therein. Signs on buildings shall be posted visibly on the exterior of each entrance by which the general public may gain access to the recreational facility.

(b)

Alcohol/controlled substances. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in all parks except where sold or provided pursuant to a state ABC permit. Controlled substances are prohibited unless possessed pursuant to a valid physician's prescription. While in a park persons must conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner without a breach of the peace.

(c)

Fireworks/explosives. Any fireworks or explosives of any kind or nature except as may be otherwise permitted by law.

(Ord. of 2-26-2001, § 7; Ord. No. 2012-30, § 2, 9-10-12; Ord. No. 2013-34, § 1, 12-9-13; Ord. No. 2015-11 , § 4, 2-23-15)