Rules and Regulations Regarding Pellet and Air Soft Guns on Douglas County Public Property

In lieu of the recent incident in Aurora last Friday regarding air soft guns being used on public property. Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver would like to remind the citizens of Douglas County about the rules and regulations for Douglas County Parks, Trail, and Open Space lands.

A Douglas County Ordinance does address the use of these items and similar ones on County land. Section III (F)(i-v) states that it shall be unlawful, unless otherwise approved in writing by Douglas County Parks and Trails and Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources Division, for any person:

• to possess, use, cock, aim or discharge any firearm, including but not limited to B-B guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, and air guns on an Park or Open Space lands,
• to possess, use, draw, or discharge any archery equipment, including but not limited to bows, longbows, crossbows, arrows, darts, and bolts on any Park or Open Space lands,
• to possess, use or discharge any device capable of discharging any projectile by any means whatsoever, including but not limtied to slingshots and wrist rockets on any Park or Open Space lands,
• to ignite or launch any model rocket on any Park or Open Space lands,
• to use, ignite, or fire any fireworks or explosives, on any Park or Open Space lands, except in designated areas when authorized in writing by Douglas County.

Any person who violates these rules and regulations can be charged with a Class 2 Petty Offense. This charge could be coupled with C.R.S. 18-9-117 "Unlawful conduct on public property", which is a class 3 misdemeanor.

There are many parks and trails in Douglas County that are privately owned by homeowner associations and metro districts and the public needs to determine the rules and regulations for the use of those lands which are considered private property.

"Douglas County Parks, Trails, and Open Space lands are developed and maintained for the enjoyment of all people living in and visiting the county. I encourage everyone to do their part and make that experience a positive one," stated Sheriff Weaver.

If you have any questions you can call the Community Resources Unit at 303.660.7544 or the Park and Open Space Division at 303.660.7495.

Additional Resources

2010 Field & Park Use Policy Book » [[540KB]

Douglas County Parks & Trails policies, procedures & facility information.

Rules & Regulations » [25KB]

A Resolution adopting rules and regulations for Douglas County Parks, Trails & Open Space.