Shawnee Mission closes all school fields after repeated COVID-19 rule violations
Even after the Shawnee Mission school district threatened to issue citations to people who violate social distancing rules on its athletic fields, large groups continued to congregate and play sports, officials said. Now, the district has closed all of its fields.
“Several attempts were made to find a compromise to allow use of the fields while also strictly following personal distancing and other health guidelines,” district officials said in a news release. “Unfortunately, the district continued to experience repeated violations of those guidelines, as well as attempts to circumvent the spirit of the guidelines by organized groups.”
The district’s fields and stadiums had been open, even though schools are closed, to let the community exercise during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. But the district and local police departments have received several complaints about groups ignoring social distancing rules.
Earlier this month, the district announced that school police officers would issue trespassing citations for anyone violating the requirements — which include staying six feet away from others and gathering with no more than 10 people.
The district has closed all athletic fields until further notice. Officials have posted signs on fields that state, “All sports fields are closed. Violators will be prosecuted.”
The community may still use tracks for walking and running, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed, according to the release.
Violators will be issued citations, officials said.
Across the Kansas City metro, city leaders have struggled with groups violating social distancing rules, especially at parks, which have remained open during stay-at-home orders. Officials have pleaded with residents to follow the guidelines to help prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus.
Last week, the city of Kansas City closed some streets to give pedestrians and cyclists more room.
Kansas plans to administer “significantly less restrictive” coronavirus rules on May 4 after the statewide stay-at-home order expires. Gov. Laura Kelly could issue new “reopening restrictions” that won’t prohibit gatherings as long as people can consistently remain six feet apart and follow other safety measures. More information should be announced this week.
This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 11:13 AM.
