After fight involving over 100 teens breaks out, Kansas City theme park implements chaperone policy

A Missouri theme park is implementing a chaperone policy after a fight involving more than 100 teenager broke out during the park's opening weekend. 

Worlds of Fun in Kansas City opened its doors on April 8 for its 50th anniversary season, but a "fight involving multiple juveniles and a large crowd" erupted that night, which included a sheriff's deputy getting punched in the face, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. 

"For decades, Worlds of Fun has been a place where families and friends come together to enjoy our one-of-a-kind park," the theme park said in a statement. "Millions of guests have counted on us for their daily dose of wholesome family fun, and we’re committed to keeping that promise going forward."

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Fights breaks out

The sheriff's office said an off-duty deputy working security at Worlds of Fun was alerted from park security about a fight inside the park around 7:30 p.m. 

"There were an estimated 100 to 150 teenagers involved, none of whom appeared to be accompanied by an adult," authorities said. 

Park authorities and police attempted to break up the crowds and move them out of the park, but "multiple fights" continued to break out as additional authorities arrived on the scene.

A Clay County deputy was punched in the face by a teenage girl who refused to leave, authorities said. She was arrested and turned over to her parents, and the deputy had superficial injuries. 

Once the crowd got pushed out of the park, fights continued in the parking lot, which authorities later cleared by around 8:30 p.m. 

Worlds of Fun chaperone policy

Worlds of Fun new chaperone policy, which goes into effect when it reopens on Saturday, April 15:

• Guests ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21-years-old to be admitted to or stay in the park after 4 p.m.
• The chaperone must present a valid government-issued ID with date of birth at ticket entry.
• Chaperones must stay with their party during entry, stay inside the park and be available by phone throughout the visit.

The theme park added "fighting or physical aggression of any kind, including verbal and physical assaults" is prohibited. 

"Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children. Appropriate behavior and supervision are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and is always expected," the park said. "The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts of the children under their care."

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Amusement park chaperone policies

Worlds of Fun isn't the first amusement park to implement a chaperone policy.

In July, Knott's Berry Farm in Southern California required guests who are 17 years old or younger to be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old after a series of fights involving teens occurred. The policy was in effect from Fridays to Sundays before the park dropped the requirement for Saturdays in February. 

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.