Skip to main content

Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS)

Weapons in Public Parks

Reference Number: MTAS-268
Reviewed Date: 12/16/2022

With certain limited exceptions, it is an offense to possess or carry a weapon on the grounds of any public park or playground in any municipality if the weapon is not used for instruction, display, or sanctioned ceremonial purposes. T.C.A. § 39-17-1311. Handgun carry permit holders may possess or carry handguns in any municipal park or similar public place owned or operated by a municipality, except when in the immediate vicinity of property that is in use by any public or private educational institution conducting an athletic event or other school-related activity on an athletic field. Once a handgun carry permit holder is informed or becomes aware that one or more students are physically present on the property for a school athletic event or any other school-related activity on an athletic field in the immediate vicinity of where the individual is located in the park, the handgun carry permit holder is required to take reasonable steps to leave the area so as to not violate the law. T.C.A. § 39-17-1311.