If you missed the wonderful photo op earlier this week while the
Concourse fountain was a bright blue honoring UMKC graduates, that
opportunity won’t avail itself again anytime soon. The city’s Parks and
Recreation Department has shut the fountain off through at least Labor
Day due to the ongoing COVID-19 threat combined with that particular
fountain being used as an impromptu spray ground during the summer
months.

According to the Parks Department, only three fountains will run this
season, The Spirit of Freedom fountain at 3700 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd, the
Meyer Circle Sea Horse fountain at Meyer Boulevard and Ward Parkway and the J.C. Nichols Memorial fountain at 47th street and J.C. Nichols Plaza.  The Firefighters Memorial fountain on 31st and Broadway and the Northland
fountain at Vivion Road and North Oak will also remain on.

Emphasis will remain on “core essential” and “important” programs and services and will begin the week of May 18th.

According to Parks Commissioner Scott Wagner, the challenge lies with
social distancing specifically at the Concourse Fountain. “There’s no
controllable access and the type of fountain it is invites people,
especially children to go in to it,” Wagner said.

“Unfortunately the Concourse fountain doesn’t have the filtration and
chemical systems a spray-ground or pool which means if more kids and
adults go through it, they’ll have other concerns beyond COVID to worry
about.”

Also affected are Day Camps for youth, which will be open with proper
safeguards and at limited locations. Fitness Facilities at Southeast and
Gregg/Klice Community Centers will be by reservation only and with strict guidelines. Dog Parks will be open with social distancing guidelines. Indoor events with less than 10 participants or outdoor events with less than 50 participants will be permitted and lower contact sports such as golf, tennis, futsal and pickleball will also be
permissible.

According to a release from the Parks Department, Playgrounds, pools,
athletic courts, shelter houses, ball fields and youth leagues will
remain closed, but continue to be evaluated on a regular basis and any
changes and openings will be listed at KCParks.org.

The Concourse fountain will remain dry at least through Labor Day.