Petition to Address Noise Disruption from Newly Opened Gun Range

We, the undersigned residents of Walton County, are writing to express our concern regarding the excessive noise caused by the recently opened gun range located at 1208 Criswell Road next to the Criswell Baseball parks. Since the facility's opening, the sounds of gunfire have significantly impacted on the quality of life for those living nearby, affecting our peace, comfort, and well-being.

We recognize the right of the county to operate and provide services, but we believe that this facility’s current operations have not taken into account the negative effects of noise pollution on surrounding residents and baseball fields. Many of us are experiencing disturbances such as:

Disruptions to our daily routines, including the ability to work from home, enjoy outdoor spaces, and sleep.

• Increased stress and anxiety due to the constant and loud noise.
• Negative impacts on families with children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions that can be aggravated by excessive noise.
• Constant high decibel sound from shotguns fire adjacent to the baseball field severely affecting the ability to conduct games and practice.
• Putting children at very high risk by putting a shooting range adjacent to an area where thousands of children could potentially end up in fire lines.
• Interruption of religious services during the weekend at churches nearby.

In light of these concerns, we, the undersigned, respectfully request that the local authorities and the owners of the gun range take immediate action to address this issue. Specifically, we call for the following actions:

A formal review of other locations for Trap and Skeet shooting not in the middle of a residential area and high traffic area where children are at risk. Of the 18 outdoor shooting ranges we found in the state of Georgia, this by far the closest to residential neighborhoods and youth activity fields.

A formal review of the noise levels produced by the gun range to ensure compliance with local noise ordinances and regulations.

Implementation of noise reduction measures such as soundproof barriers, limiting the types of firearms used, or adjusting the range's design to minimize noise disturbances.

A reassessment of the range’s hours of operation to ensure that the facility does not operate during early mornings, late evenings, during church services, when the baseball fields are in use for practices or games, and times when noise disruption is most intrusive.

Ongoing monitoring of noise levels to ensure they remain within acceptable limits and that the gun range's operations do not continue to negatively affect the community. Allowing recourse if sound is not held at acceptable limits.

A published calendar of events so we can plan accordingly,

We believe that by working together, we can find a solution that allows the gun range to operate while ensuring the peace and well-being of local residents.

We urge local authorities and the gun range management to address our concerns and take the necessary steps to resolve this issue promptly.

By signing this petition, we show our collective support for these actions to help maintain the quality of life in our community.