Council adopts updated parks code to allow micromobility devices, keeps 15 mph limit and removes traffic garden exception

The Roeland Park City Council on June 16 adopted Ordinance 1074, updating Chapter 12 to add a definition for micromobility devices (including e‑bikes and electric scooters), retain existing class‑based e‑bike distinctions, and preserve a 15 mph speed limit on park paths and paved trails.

Staff told the council the revised language expands permitted micromobility devices in parks while restricting devices on unpaved trails to class‑1 e‑bikes. The ordinance language also maintained a 15 mph speed limit for devices using park paths and paved trails. During discussion, council members raised enforcement concerns and suggested additional signage or narrowly tailored prohibitions near playground areas.

Council debated an amendment to prohibit devices "within close proximity to children's play spaces." City legal staff cautioned that the phrase "close proximity" should be defined in feet to support enforceability in municipal court; councilors also noted that some park features such as traffic gardens blur where a play area begins and ends. The suggestion to define a specific distance was discussed but not added at the meeting.

After further discussion the council voted to strike the phrase "except for the traffic garden in our park" from the ordinance—removing the special‑case exclusion—and adopted the ordinance as amended by voice vote. City staff said the changes will be posted on park signage and that enforcement will primarily rely on public education and self‑policing by user groups.

The ordinance also cross‑references park rules that staff will update to include signs at Knoll Park and other areas calling out the 15 mph speed limit.

The council approved the motion by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.