Finally! A welcome story about a lad taking action to ensure that airsoft gets its proper place in the community. I have posted some stories before of young people irresponsibly using airsoft guns, causing concern and panic in their own communities (parents, take note). Now, this young guy took upon himself to work on having a certain area allowed for use to airsoft players in his area. By working with the community authorities, he may just pull this off, and give the community members some peace of mind.

Andrew Walker shadowed Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder for a week. Then she recruited him for the village's Youth Commission.

The newest member of the Arlington Heights Youth Commission wants a safe place for young people to be able to use realistic-looking guns that shoot plastic pellets.

Andy Walker, 14, who will attend Buffalo Grove High School in the fall, said that, otherwise, the so-called airsoft guns should be restricted to private property.

He discussed his concerns about the guns with village board members when they recently approved his appointment to the commission.

His first choice would be a park designated for youths to have "wars," similar to the idea of a skate board park. Alternatively, the guns should be allowed only in places like backyards, he said.

"I don't think they should be outlawed at all," Walker said in an interview. "The problem is, except for the orange tip, they look exactly like real guns."

The guns come in versions from pistols to rifles to machine guns. Apparently, some users black out the orange tip or even remove it.

Walker, the son of Bobbi and John Walker, has witnessed citizens call the police when groups of youngsters have "wars" in public places.

Read more by clicking on the screenshot below:

We all wish him all the luck. Patience, acting responsibly and reasonably should work wonders.