• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

Restricted Places

S

springokie

New member
Joined
Feb 13, 2008
Messages
1
Location
, ,
imported post

I am planning to go to Seattle this weekend and was wondering if I can carry at the Space Needle and the Aquarium. I have tried searching the forum but have not found anything. Any help you could provide would be appreciated.

By the way, I am new to the state and this forum has been a big help by providing information on Washington's laws. Thanks and keep up the good work.
 
S

sv_libertarian

State Researcher
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
3,201
Location
Olympia, WA, ,
imported post

Welcome! The space needle may be able to prohibt them, IIRC it is private property. Not so sure on the Aquarium. Personally I would OC anywhere I don't see a no gun sign.
 
J

joeroket

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2006
Messages
3,339
Location
Everett, Washington, USA
imported post

The space needle is indeed private property now. The last time I went was in the summer of 2002 and they had a search checkpoint at the bottom of the ramp that goes up to the elevators with big signs about prohibited items and firearms were on it.

I have carried, although concealed, at the aquarium and did not notice any signs, but that was around the same time as the needle.
 
G

G27

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Messages
573
Location
Kitsap County, Washington, USA
imported post

Is this your first time open carrying? If so that's quite adventurous of you! I don't think I'd have the courage to go all out on Seattle and all it's attractions my first time. Not that I am saying not to, I just think it's wiser to build up to it until you're comfortable with it so you can stick up for yourself and know all the laws. I'd hate for you to have a horrible experiance your first time and then never be willing to do it again. Does that make sense?
 
just_a_car

just_a_car

Regular Member
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
2,558
Location
Auburn, Washington, USA
imported post

As for the space needle, it's privately owned by "The Space Needle Corporation", so they can make any policy they wish... of which I'm not sure of regarding firearms.

The Seattle Aquarium, I thought I recalled hearing about someone seeing a "no firearms" policy on a sign somewhere outside... but couldn't find it on here. Just be sure to look around near the entrance and ticket booths for policies.
 
A

acrimsontide

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2007
Messages
325
Location
, ,
imported post

I have no idea about the aquarium in Seattle, but recently visited the one in Atlanta. The Atlanta aquarium is posted againast weapons of any kind including small pocket knives and they used hand held wands to scan everyone that entered. I had to return to my vehicle to leave a 2 in. bladed knife!!!! The scans were conducted by the aquarium employees but the day we were there, there were Atlanta Metro police inside the gates at the checkpoints also.
 
H

heresolong

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
1,318
Location
Blaine, WA, ,
imported post

The aquarium has a seattle.gov email address so is a public entity and they can't ban your gun by state preemption.

BTW the answer to questions like "Is XXX privately owned or run by the city/county/state?" are often easily answered by typing the name of the facility into google.
 
G

grease63s

Regular Member
Joined
May 12, 2007
Messages
10
Location
Granite Falls, Washington, USA
imported post

Havingworked at the Space Needle in their "Security" Department I can say that approx 8 years ago (when I was there) the decision was made to not allow firearms. There is a sign posted at each door explaining the "rules of conduct" and one of them mentions that firearms are not allowed (except for LEO, etc). I fought that decision (among others) and was quit/fired a few months later.

That having been said, the checkpoints were put in place just post 9/11, and the guard was checking through bags for pocketknives, nailclippers, etc. The whole TSA bit. I was amused by this not only because 1) what are ya gonna do? Hijack the elevator?, but alsobecause 2)I was CC'ing my S&W39-2 at the time but because I wasn't carrying a bag or purse, they left me alone.

Don't ask, don't unconceal would be the way to go at the Needle. They have been a private property for a few decades now.

P.S. elevator ride is free with a meal reservation, lunch or breakfast are the best bargains
 
V

vmathis12019

State Researcher
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
544
Location
Troy, Alabama, USA
imported post

acrimsontide wrote:
I have no idea about the aquarium in Seattle, but recently visited the one in Atlanta. The Atlanta aquarium is posted againast weapons of any kind including small pocket knives and they used hand held wands to scan everyone that entered. I had to return to my vehicle to leave a 2 in. bladed knife!!!! The scans were conducted by the aquarium employees but the day we were there, there were Atlanta Metro police inside the gates at the checkpoints also.
Click to expand...
Yet another thing to go on my list of reasons I hate Georgia. About the only two things that are redeeming for that state would be Atlanta Motor Speedway, and of course, the Bravos baby!
 
just_a_car

just_a_car

Regular Member
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
2,558
Location
Auburn, Washington, USA
imported post

heresolong wrote:
BTW the answer to questions like "Is XXX privately owned or run by the city/county/state?" are often easily answered by typing the name of the facility into google.
Click to expand...
That's exactly how I found the info I did on the Space Needle. ;)
 
maclean

maclean

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
378
Location
, ,
imported post

For anyone curious, the Space Needle does prohibit the carrying of firearms concealed or otherwise by anyone other than LEO's or military personnel who are on duty.

My identity can be verified by Morris if there are any questions, and I have also met Marty and several other members here in person.

A close family memberretired from the KCSO after 30 years and presently heads the security and risk management for the Space Needle corporation. He is about as gun friendly as they come, but the rules are the rules.

Persons who print or otherwise draw the attention of security will be escorted out. To the best of my understanding, they don't tresspass for it unless it looks like you were deliberately ignoring their posted signs or attempting to subvert security.

The Space Needle frequently employs off duty police officers as security. I would suggest not taking up the issue with them, they didn't make the rule.

The Space Needle is a privately owned coporation, and their property line is demarked by a change in color of the concrete which surrounds the structure. The area on the other side of that line belongs to the City of Seattle.

Cheers.
 
M

Misguided Child

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2007
Messages
193
Location
, Washington, USA
imported post

The Seattle Aquarium is all Seattle park. As is the Woodland Park Zoo. State Preemption would make it legal to carry at either location.

A "No Hunting or Fishing" sign would seem to be appropriate though!
 
Gray Peterson

Gray Peterson

Founder's Club Member - Moderator
Joined
May 12, 2006
Messages
2,236
Location
Lynnwood, Washington, USA
imported post

Misguided Child wrote:
The Seattle Aquarium is all Seattle park. As is the Woodland Park Zoo. State Preemption would make it legal to carry at either location.

A "No Hunting or Fishing" sign would seem to be appropriate though!
Click to expand...
Not sure about that. Lemme do a little research and I'll get back to all of you about that.
 
ATCer

ATCer

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2008
Messages
89
Location
Iraq
imported post

I could see where the aquarium, even if city property and preempted by state law, wouldn't want you carrying. Imagine you had to defend yourself and a poorly placed shot, or even a through and through hit the glass. About 17,000,000,000,000,000 gallonsof water along with potentially lethal fish come spilling out.

Just my $.02 ... good thing I don't like aquariums!
 
just_a_car

just_a_car

Regular Member
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
2,558
Location
Auburn, Washington, USA
imported post

ATCer wrote:
I could see where the aquarium, even if city property and preempted by state law, wouldn't want you carrying. Imagine you had to defend yourself and a poorly placed shot, or even a through and through hit the glass. About 17,000,000,000,000,000 gallonsof water along with potentially lethal fish come spilling out.

Just my $.02 ... good thing I don't like aquariums!
Click to expand...
Yano, naively-enough, that hadn't even crossed my mind... that's a great point.

I mean, we've all seen Mission Impossible 1, right?.....
 
M

mnormand

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Messages
18
Location
Richmond Hill, GA, ,
imported post

Hey everyone. I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and this thread was definately what I needed to read up about. I'm an active duty Army Officer and I will be up in the Seattle/Mountlake Terrace area visiting my fiance in the next couple of weeks. After two combat tours in Iraq I feel naked and helpless without a weapon and your state leaves me no choice but to open carry since they won't recognize my Florida resident CCL. I appreciate everyones' advice and hope to see a few of you out there. I'll be rocking a Kimber 1911 with a Desantis C&L. Take care.
 
Mainsail

Mainsail

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,533
Location
Silverdale, Washington, USA
imported post

I wonder if this event will ban open carry?

Want to be a police officer, firefighter or dispatcher? Here's your chance



Here's some information on an upcoming career fair.
It will be held, Thursday, March 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th Street SW. It's free.

Agencies will include:

*Aberdeen Police Department
*Bellevue Police Department
*Edmonds Police Department
*Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office
*Kent Police Department
*King County Sheriff’s Office
*Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office
*Lynnwood Police Department
*Marysville Police Department
*Mount Vernon Police Department
*Mukilteo Police Department
*Port Angeles Police Department
*Port of Seattle Police Department
*Redmond Police Department
*Seattle Police Department
*Tacoma Police Department
*Tumwater Police Department
*Yakima Police Department


*Kent Fire Department
*Lynnwood Fire Department
*Mukilteo Fire Department
*Port of Seattle Fire Department
*Vancouver Fire Department
*Regional Fire Recruitment Consortium
Bellevue Fire Department
Eastside Fire & Rescue
Kirkland Fire Department
Mercer Island Fire Department
Woodinville Fire & Life Safety

*King County Medic One

*Kent Police Department – Corrections
*King County Dept of Adult Detention – Corrections Officer
*King County Dept of Juvenile Detention – JV Detention Officer
*Kirkland Police Department – Corrections
*Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections
*Marysville Police Department – Corrections
*Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections

*King County Sheriff’s Office -- Dispatcher
*Kirkland Police Department -- Dispatcher
*Port of Seattle Police Department -- Dispatcher
*Redmond Police Department -- Dispatcher
*Seattle Police Department – Dispatcher
*SNOCOM - Dispatcher
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top