Dear Members of Council, As…

Dear Members of Council,

As a parent of a child that attends Primrose Elementary School, I have a strong opposition regarding the proposal to allow hunting on land so close to the school and surrounding area.

While I understand the need for responsible wildlife management, authorizing hunting in such close proximity to a school poses unnecessary and unacceptable risks to the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, and community members.

1. Safety Risks to Students and Staff
Elementary-aged children spend a significant portion of their day outdoors—during recess, physical education, arrival, and dismissal. Introducing firearms or bowhunting activity near these daily routines creates a hazardous environment. Even with designated boundaries and posted schedules, accidents can and do happen. The potential for misdirected shots, stray arrows, or startled wildlife moving unpredictably into school grounds is a serious concern that cannot be overlooked.

2. Emotional and Psychological Impact
Young children are especially sensitive to loud noises and visible signs of harm to animals. The sound of gunfire or witnessing injured wildlife could cause fear, distress, or confusion among students. Schools should be safe, nurturing environments—not places where children must worry about nearby hunting activity.

3. Community Use of the Area
The land surrounding schools is frequently used by families, walkers, and local residents for recreation. Allowing hunting in this shared space risks collisions between hunters and unsuspecting members of the public who may not expect active hunting so close to a school zone.

For these reasons, I urge you to reject the proposed hunting authorization near [Name of Elementary School]. Protecting the safety and wellbeing of our children must remain our highest priority. I respectfully ask that the board seek alternative solutions that balance wildlife needs with community safety.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

A concerned parent