Marla Stout of Lee’s Summit said her family put up a play set for their young daughters about two years ago and she painted the equipment purple to comply with requirements of the Raintree Lake Neighborhood Homeowner’s Association.
According to the HOA, children’s play equipment has to be within harmony of other colors in the community. Stout said many of the trees in her neighborhood turn purple every fall, so she felt like the color was in harmony.
Stout said she received a notice from the HOA last year saying they were being fined for not having the playground equipment and its color pre-approved, but they successfully appealed and had the fine thrown out. However, the HOA sent further letters demanding the playground’s removal under the threat of jail time.
She said the HOA ignored a petition signed by more than a dozen neighbors saying they were not bothered by the equipment. Stout said her family has hired an attorney and will continue to fight.