Thank you for all the great responses. Appreciate it!
Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 27, 2025, at 11:33 AM, Rick Knighton <Rick.Knighton@normanok.gov> wrote:

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div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; }Jeff,

While not totally on point, in Oklahoma Second Amendment Association v. City of Norman, et al., Case No. CV-2015-550 (CCDC 2015), we argued that public streets closed or a music festival were under the control of a private entity, and thus the private entity could prohibit weapons from being carried in the area during a music festival. The district court ruled against the City at the temporary restraining order stage of the case but reversed itself at the permanent injunction state. To avoid an adverse ruling, the plaintiff dismissed the case before a journal entry was submitted. However, the district court’s ruling indicates that there is merit to allowing a private entity to establish rules regarding attendance when it has been granted control of a public space.

We have used this argument when presented with issues that involve rental of public park space. One of our parks has a gazebo that can be rented by the public. Occasionally, there will be a dispute between family members as to who can attend a birthday party. We have advised that the person renting the park space can exclude others from that space during the rental period. We have also had issues with unauthorized vendors attempting to sell items at festivals. Similarly, we have advised that while a festival is occurring, the entity in charge can establish rules regarding who can and cannot sell items. While we have only been challenged once regarding this position, we would make the same argument if challenged in the future.

Rickey J. Knighton II | City Attorney | City of Norman

201 West Gray | P.O. Box 370 | Norman, Oklahoma 73070

' 405.217.7700 | 6 405.366.5425 | +rick.knighton@normanok.gov | þwww.normanok.gov

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From: Jeff Edwards via Oama <oama@lists.imla.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 6:54 PM
To: OAMA Luistserv <oama@lists.imla.org>
Subject: EXTERNAL EMAIL : [Oama] Public Park ban

Listmates - I have a Town that has a park with baseball & softball fields in a public park. They have an agreement with little league which allows little league to use the fields. It is not a lease, but a free use of the fields for little league to use them free of charge. There was a fight at the fields and little league decided to ban the person that started the altercation. I know there are issues with banning people from a public park. I am kind of at a loss as to what all issues this may involve. Any input on how to handle this or what I need to research is very much appreciated in advance. Thank you!

--

Jeffrey L. Edwards| Attorney at Law

FLYNN, EDWARDS, & O'NEAL, PLLC

105 East Ray Fine Blvd, Suite N

P.O. Box 170

Roland, OK 74954

P: 918-323-4351 | F: 918-518-0504

jeff@flynnedwardsoneal.com

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