Kansas City, Missouri’s Open Streets KC: Neighborhood open streets permit and “Local Traffic Only” and park road closures

As a result of stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Kansas City, Missouri parks, trails, and sidewalks are overcrowded and in some neighborhoods, playgrounds are closed, and there is less traffic on roadways. Kansas City is creating more space for people on our roadways and in our parks to promote physical distancing and keep people safe from cars. Open Streets KC is a temporary program that will last through the KCMO state of emergency order and will be re-evaluated as the city reopens. Open Streets KC is offering a Neighborhood Open Streets permit, which will allow 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. Opens Streets KC is also implementing “Local Traffic Only” road closures to allow more space to safely walk, run, and bike while maintaining physical distance. Road closures will be deployed with existing, internal resources and will provide access for local traffic and emergency vehicles. Roadways in several Kansas City parks will also be closed and will operate as one-way for pedestrians and cyclists.