A month ago, a drive-by shooting occurred near Shawnee Sports Complex in Charleston, W.Va, prompting visitors and players to flee for safety upon hearing gunshots. Since then, several security measures have been implemented at the complex to enhance safety.
The Kanawha County Commission has been actively working to update safety protocols. One of the measures put in place is ensuring that all staff members receive active shooter training multiple times. Commissioner Salango mentioned that increased patrols have been implemented at the park and in the Dunbar and Institute area. Additionally, exit gates that automatically lock when closed are being installed at the complex to further enhance security. These new measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future to ensure the safety of visitors and players.
Over the weekend, Shawnee Sports Complex saw an influx of foot traffic for the 2024 U.S. Youth Soccer Presidents Cup, which began on Friday. Team manager Beth Noss was happy to see law enforcement officers present at the event, as it provided reassurance with parents sometimes getting highly involved in soccer matches. The added security measures were seen as a positive step towards ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
In conclusion, Shawnee Sports Complex has taken steps to improve its security measures following a drive-by shooting near its location earlier this month. These new measures include increased patrols, automatic exit gates and active shooter training for staff members. The Kanawha County Commission continues to work on updating safety protocols to ensure that visitors and players feel safe at all times while participating in events or activities at Shawnee Sports Complex.
