My son plays at the Stryker Sports Complex, a place where families and friends gather to watch and enjoy soccer games. However, this venue, which should be a safe haven for joyful sporting activities, turned into a nightmare recently when an individual drove onto the soccer fields. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to numerous others. This horrific incident has raised urgent concerns about the safety and security of everyone who visits the complex.

In light of these events, we are calling for the immediate installation of bollards around the soccer fields at Stryker Sports Complex. Bollards, which are short vertical posts, serve as effective barriers against unauthorized vehicle access. They are a simple yet effective solution that could have prevented this tragedy.

The safety of our community should never be in question. Statistics show that vehicular accidents such as this are preventable with the right measures in place. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), barricades and bollards significantly reduce the likelihood of vehicles entering pedestrian or recreational areas unlawfully.

Installing bollards would not only offer a physical deterrent but also peace of mind for all who visit the complex. Our children, our visitors, and our community members deserve to enjoy the soccer fields without fearing for their safety. We need actions, not just words, to ensure that the Stryker Sports Complex remains a place of enjoyment, not a site of potential danger.

We recognize that temporary barriers have been put in place and appreciate that steps have been taken to address immediate safety concerns. However, temporary measures should not be the end of this effort. We are calling for a permanent solution informed by a professional safety and security review conducted by an independent third party.

Any permanent solution should be carefully evaluated to ensure it provides meaningful protection while accounting for accessibility, emergency vehicle access, maintenance, and the needs of everyone who uses the complex. While bollards are the solution we are proposing, our ultimate goal is to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering areas where players, spectators, and families gather.

We also believe the community deserves transparency throughout this process. We are asking the City of Wichita and the appropriate officials to develop a clear plan for a permanent solution following the independent review and release that plan to the general public. The community should be able to understand what measures are being considered, why they are appropriate, and what the anticipated timeline is for implementation.

Until a permanent safety plan has been developed following a professional third-party review and made available to the public, we will continue gathering signatures and advocating for action. This petition is not about assigning blame. It is about ensuring that this tragedy leads to meaningful improvements and that public attention does not fade before a lasting solution is in place.

We call on the management of Stryker Sports Complex and local authorities in Wichita, Kansas, to prioritize the safety of their patrons by developing and implementing a permanent protective solution. Officials must act to address this serious concern and take reasonable steps to prevent further harm.

Please join us in demanding meaningful action to protect our loved ones and community. Your signature can help make Stryker Sports Complex a safer space for everyone. Sign this petition to urge the necessary steps for a secure and enjoyable environment for all.