Multiple US Cities Expand Park Ranger Programs to Boost Safety, Visitor Support

Several U.S. cities and counties are launching or expanding park ranger programs to enhance safety, visitor experience, and community engagement in public parks. New York City's Central Park has introduced a Ranger Corps focused on addressing visitor concerns, quality-of-life issues, and supporting vulnerable populations, having already handled over 1,600 incidents in six weeks. King County, Washington, is initiating a Park Ranger Program with six trained rangers who will serve as safety ambassadors and educators, responding to community calls for increased staff presence and comprehensive training in emergency response and cultural competency. Louisville, Kentucky, is reinstating an armed and deputized park ranger program aimed at improving safety, reducing crime, and encouraging positive use of city parks. These programs reflect a broader trend toward professionalizing park management to ensure that public green spaces remain welcoming, secure, and accessible to diverse communities.