Post Date: 04/23/2020 3:27 PM

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2020

KCMO Public Works is working alongside KC Parks and Recreation, the Mayor’s office and the Health Department to create more space for people to get outside, get exercise and maintain social distance during the Stay at Home order through the emergency Open Streets KC program.

Why Open Streets KC?

Parks, trails, and sidewalks are overcrowded in some KCMO neighborhoods, playgrounds are closed, and there is less traffic on our streets. In order to promote social distancing and also provide safe space for residents to get outside and get exercise, KCMO is creating more space for people on our roadways and in our parks.

“I am excited for KCMO to join the list of other cities providing safe space for people during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Eric Bunch, fourth district councilperson and co-sponsor of the Open Streets resolution. “Exercise and getting outdoors go a long way in decreasing stress and promoting healthy living. The emergency Open Streets program accomplishes the goal of maintaining social distancing while also giving our residents safe space to get outside and be physically active.”

There are several efforts underway to promote getting outdoors, being physically active and still maintaining social distance around KCMO.

What does Open Streets KC do?

Neighborhood Open Streets Permit: allows block-level closures on neighborhood streets. Similar to the Block Party permit, but without the party, this permit is streamlined to be easy and accessible for neighborhoods or residents to apply at no cost and without signature requirements. The permit will be available in CompassKC by the end of day on Friday, April 24, 2020. Automatic pedestrian crossings at over 100 intersections means the pedestrian signal turns on automatically without having to push the pedestrian button. “Local Traffic Only” Road Closures: allows more space to safely walk, run, and bike while maintaining social distance. The following road closures will be deployed with existing, internal resources starting this week, still allowing access to local traffic and emergency vehicles:

Kenwood Avenue: 39th to 43rd St. (Gillham Park Area)

Brookside Road: Meyer to Gregory Blvd and 77th to 83rd St. (Trolley Track Trail Area)

River Front Drive: Union Berkley Riverfront Apartments east to dead end (Berkley Riverfront Park Area)

Additionally, KC Parks is closing parks roadways to vehicles in several KCMO parks including Swope Park and Blue Valley Park. KC Parks also encourages everyone to walk, run, or play counterclockwise on all loop trails to help with social distancing. Read more about KC Parks Open Streets efforts in their latest news release.

For additional information, visit the Open Streets KC webpage.

For media inquiries, please contact the Public Works Public Information Officer, Maggie Green, at 816-513-2612.