School Girls Banned From Kensington Playground

KENSINGTON, Md. (WUSA) -- The Grinch has returned to Kensington, Maryland.

The town that banned Santa Claus from its Christmas celebration a few years back, now wants to keep kids older than five out of Reinhardt Park.

Councilman John Thompson says they have received complaints from residents about girls from the Brookewood Private School across the street crowding the park, littering and damaging equipment. He says the money would be for maintenance.

Headmaster Joseph McPherson says they can't afford to pay the town $4,000 to use the park. The girls are now using open space down the street for recess. The downside is there's no playground equipment, just trees and grass.

Town Manager Sanford Dailey says there's no penalty for violating the park ban. Repeat offenders may be escorted from the park if necessary.

Town Attorney Suellen Ferguson wouldn't comment when asked if it's legal to ban kids over five from a city park.

Here's what the council decided:

Reinhardt Park it restricted to use by children up to 5 years old and their caretakers from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

Siblings of children authorized to use the park may also accompany them if they are not students at a public or private school.

All children authorized to use the park must be accompanied by a caretaker.

These restrictions exclude town employees or contractors employed by the town for maintenance.