St. Paul officials approve Circus Juventas reopening
St. Paul city officials have approved the reopening of Circus Juventas, four weeks after the bleachers collapsed at a circus performance.
More than 400 people were on the bleachers when they fell during applause at the end of a Circus Juventas performance on Aug. 16. Seven people were taken to the hospital with injuries.
The St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department sent a letter to the performing arts youth circus school on Sept. 3, stating that the facility can reopen. Circus officials announced the decision today.
The department's letter states that the facility passed a safety and health assessment, and a rigging inspection. The school also provided proof of insurance.
"We are grateful for the city's approval of our resuming programming for our students," Circus Juventas Executive Director Dan Butler said in a statement. "The inspections confirm that the safety protocols and procedures in place since the organization's founding 15 years ago are set at the highest levels."
The city of St. Paul had issued a $500 fine to Circus Juventas shortly after the incident, citing the school's failure to obtain permits or inspections when it regularly put up and took down its temporary seating.
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