GOSHEN — Elkhart County leader Terry Rodino is not “against guns,” but, he said, there are some places where firearms should be restricted.

Rodino, president of the board of commissioners, said Monday morning that one of the places where guns should not be allowed is county parks. The board is updating an ordinance that would comply with a state law that allows licensed gun owners to carry firearms in certain public places, including parks. The law passed last summer limits the ability of local governments to regulate and ban guns in public places with some exceptions, like courtrooms.

“A park is a place for having fun,” Rodino said. “How much fun is it to know that guy over there might be carrying a gun?”

The Elkhart County Parks Department Board approved a resolution shortly after the law was passed last year by the Indiana General Assembly. The board recommended changes to the ordinance in March.

“While I appreciate the state of Indiana and some of their wisdom that they have, sometimes I get a little tired of them telling us what to do and what not to do in Elkhart County because they think it’s best for the entire state,” Rodino said.

County parks director Larry Neff said the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association is expecting someone to challenge the state law.

The proposed ordinance for the county bans explosives, knives and objects “that can reasonably be considered a weapon other than firearms” in parks. The ordinance allows bows and arrows at archery ranges. Flatware and knives used for preparing food are also permitted.

State law prohibits people from firing guns inside parks and bars people from carrying guns on property being used by a school for a school function. For example, Ox Bow County Park is often used for field trips and high school cross country meets, Neff said.

Goshen mother Anna Bauer said guns and parks where families gather should not mix. She takes her son to Ox Bow to play about once a week.

“If I heard a gunshot right now, even if it was far away and not right here in the park, I would pack up my things and leave,” she said.

Rachel Hostetler, who watched her children play on a slide at Ox Bow on Monday afternoon, agreed.

“My understanding is that people carry guns for protection, but public parks should be considered a safe place,” she said.

Brad Rupert, general manager at Midwest Gun and Range in Elkhart, said it is important to note that responsible gun owners who have personal protection permits are often not the people committing crimes. Rupert, who also manages Midwest Gun Exchange in Mishawaka, said his stores offer safety classes, which he recommends to new gun owners.

“I own handguns, but at the same time, I’m not carrying them to do harm or do criminal activity,” he said. “I’m carrying it for protection.”

Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers said gun owners without proper permits will bring firearms into parks regardless of what the county’s ordinance allows.

“So, to have locations where nobody is legal to carry firearms, to me that sets up a possibility of disaster because people have no right to defend themselves, and no matter what clause we pass on the firearms, we will have the criminals who carry them regardless,” he said.

Rogers said he carries a concealed gun when he goes to the park.

“It’s holstered and properly secured, and I think most licensed firearms possessors are responsible with their guns,” he said. “Yes, there are accidents out there, and that’s certainly something to be concerned about, but to keep places gun-free, that’s an invitation.”

Rodino said he, too, has a permit and sometimes carries a gun but explained that firearms should be off limits at parks.

The board of commissioners tabled the vote on the proposed ordinance to allow commissioner Frank Lucchese, who was absent from Monday’s meeting, to weigh in. The board’s next regular meeting is April 16.