Immaculate Conception School in Charles City Closes Playground After Misuse, Unruly Behavior

Another Charles City playground has been forced to close off access to the general public due to misuse and abuse.

In a social media post on Friday (04.03), Immaculate Conception School announced that, “Out of care and respect for our school grounds, the IC School playground will be closed to the public until further notice. Due to ongoing concerns with littering, inappropriate language, and misuse of the space, we must protect this area as it is private property and an important part of our students’ learning and play environment.”

Principal Laurie Field tells KCHA/KCZE, “Our school board, priest, and administration will continue to evaluate the situation as we determine our next steps.”  

The new playground space was made possible through private donations, was installed in the fall of 2025, and opened in November 2025. 

Last October, Central Preschool in Charles City was forced to close their playground after it was vandalized. Officials said sand was dumped all over the sidewalk, toys thrown around, the skylight on their new playhouse was intentionally shattered, as well as many broken play dishes.

In November 2024, Charles City School officials had to limit after hours access to the Lincoln Elementary  playground in an effort to crack down on unruly behavior. That included kids climbing up on the roof, breaking and vandalizing school property, even leaving behind trash such as alcohol bottles. That led to gated entrances that were locked after school. 

Superintendent Brian Burnight says the gates are no longer locked after hours and a more robust camera was installed to monitor things more closely.

He adds, “We are currently open for business at all our playgrounds without restrictions.”