Large unsanctioned teen gathering forces early closure of Mullins Park in Coral Springs with police warning of consequences
Coral Springs, Florida – Mullins Park was forced to close early Sunday night after a large, unsanctioned teen gathering created a public safety concern, city officials said. The incident, which drew between 100 and 200 youths to the park, was organized through social media and quickly escalated into a chaotic scene that prompted multiple calls to police.
The initial report came in shortly after 8:00 p.m. on April 5, with officers arriving at the park, located at 10000 Ben Geiger Drive, within minutes. By 8:30 p.m., police had cleared the park, citing both safety hazards and disruptive behavior as reasons for the early closure. Sgt. James Kaban of the Coral Springs Police Department said the gathering was originally intended as a large water gun fight, but the sheer number of participants running across fields created challenges for law enforcement and city staff.
Amid the commotion, several reports suggested a possible shooting at the park, prompting officers to take precautionary measures. However, an officer already on site confirmed that no gunshots had been fired. Further investigation, including review of social media videos circulating online, revealed an individual brandishing an object that appeared to be a firearm. Police determined the item in question was actually a firecracker, its flash causing confusion among witnesses.
“No fines or arrests were made,” Kaban noted, emphasizing that the teens complied with police orders to leave the park. Despite the lack of formal charges, officials said the event highlighted the potential risks associated with large, unsupervised gatherings. “It’s a nice park, and we want kids to use it for what it’s meant to be,” Kaban said. “But if they’re not going to use it appropriately and cause problems, there will be consequences.”
Mullins Park, which is normally open until 10 p.m., is a popular recreational area for families and youth in Coral Springs, featuring open fields, playgrounds, and trails. Authorities expressed concern that the disruption caused by the large gathering could have endangered participants and other park-goers, particularly given the mistaken reports of gunfire.
Police also addressed plans for similar events in the coming weeks. City officials have warned that any future unsanctioned gatherings will face a strong law enforcement presence and a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe behavior. Sgt. Kaban emphasized that while the department encourages young people to enjoy public spaces, misuse or disruptive activity will not be tolerated.
Community members and parents were urged to communicate with teens about appropriate park behavior, stressing safety and respect for public spaces. City officials are reviewing ways to prevent similar incidents in the future, including increased monitoring, coordinated events, and outreach efforts to encourage responsible recreation.
As the city moves forward, officials hope that Mullins Park can continue to serve as a safe and enjoyable environment for residents while deterring disruptive gatherings. The incident serves as a reminder that large unsanctioned events, even when organized for seemingly harmless activities, can quickly become hazardous and require careful management by both authorities and the community.
The Coral Springs Police Department continues to monitor social media for potential planning of future events and is prepared to act swiftly to ensure the park remains safe for all visitors.
