Crown Center to kick kids out of fountains

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For years, kids have come to Crown Center Square to play in the jets of the fountain.

But a test last week showed a high bacteria level in the water.

So the next time kids run through the spray, security guards will kick them out.

"When you look at the safety issues that we have, at the end of the day, for us, we don't want to see anybody get sick. We don't want to see anybody fall down and get hurt," said Chris Ronan, spokesman for Crown Center.

The water has been off for several days because of a weekend event. It will stay off until new signs are put up like those on other nearby fountains, telling kids to keep out.

But for the parents and kids who came prepared to play in the water Tuesday, the new policy is a huge disappointment.

"We brought our bathing suit and everything today in case they would want to go," said Kyla Bidne. "That's too bad."

Carrie Fisher brought her 3-year-old daughter to play in the fountain for the first time last week.

"She came down last week for the first time and it was an absolute joy, she had such a blast," said Fisher, "so (the new policy) is really disappointing."

But the moms did say they respect the decision because safety is important to them as well.

The irony is that Crown Center recently opened Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland to bring in more kids and families.

But Ronan said too many people are now getting in the fountain.

"There are so many people here on a busy day. And there are big people and little people and they're all together and they're running and they're trying to avoid each other," Ronan said.

Although the water is chlorinated and tested, Ronan explained that the water re-circulates. If it's contaminated, it can make people sick.

He also pointed out there are no public restrooms nearby.