Ask an Officer

Question: Are children allowed to play ball in the street and also run through neighbors’ yards or driveways?

Answer: from Sgt. Donna Holden

A Euclid Ordinance was passed in 1959 to prohibit game playing in the street, intending to keep children safe from vehicle injuries.  Police officers discourage juveniles from playing in the street because of the possibility of a motor vehicle accident.  No officer wants to notify a parent that their child has been hurt or killed from a car accident.  Not all drivers abide by the traffic laws or pay full attention while driving.  Although Euclid Ordinance 311.07 states that no person shall fly a kite or play any game of ball or other game on any street unless the street has been set aside for playground purposes, who of us hasn’t seen kids and even adults toss a football or play catch in the street.  It’s usually a friendly game where players step aside for oncoming vehicles.  If a complaint is called into EPD, the officer would most likely advise the players to move the game off the street.  If any of the players do not comply and return to the street, a traffic citation could be issued which requires an appearance in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Children love to play and run and sometimes their enthusiasm spills over into yards where they should not be playing.  Residents who do not want children to run on their property can advise the parents of the children of their request.  Sometimes police are called, so it may be the officer that advises the parents and the children of Euclid’s trespassing ordinance.  If the children continue to play or run on the property where they have been advised not to, then trespassing charges can be filed through juvenile court by the complainant, or by police if the officer witnesses the trespassing.

Keeping children safe and neighborhoods peaceful is attained if all people follow the rules.  Street closing permits are available if your neighborhood organization would like to conduct an event, coordinate a parade, or arrange a block watch party in the street.  Permits available at euclidpd.org/2015/street-closing-permit/.

If you would like to submit a question to Ask an Officer, contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department:  email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.