The city is planning to add 8-10 park rangers to help with security at the city's parks, the City Council was told on Tuesday.
Jason McKinney, deputy parks administrator, said five years ago park rangers were changed to park ambassadors. He said they mainly work to check groups in and to go around to see if anything is broken.
Mr. McKinney said the new park rangers will have more security duties and their focus will be the evening hours when more crime occurs. He said they will work in concert with the county's park rangers. The county patrols part of the Riverwalk and the city has the downtown section.
Mr. McKinney said 10 years ago the city's then park rangers were given special commissions to wear badges and enforce certain policies and procedures. He said, "We are not training them for that now and not asking them to do that (security)."
Councilman Chip Henderson said, "Residents have a concern with safety in our parks, particularly at night."
Councilman Darrin Ledford also stressed the need for having safe parks.
Brian Smith, city parks spokesperson, afterword said, "There are a couple things happening at the same time.
"Currently we have a park ambassador program. They help patrol parks, special events, help with openings and closures and safety. More of a positive approach to park patrols that communicate with CPD to keep parks safe.
"As for a new park ranger program, nothing is in the works now. We are exploring different ranger/park security training programs and hope by the next budget cycle starting in July, we can present to council a new ranger program that works for today’s climate. The number of positions is unknown til the program is developed.
"In the meantime, our staff and ambassadors work closely with CPD as well as private security and Hamilton County to ensure our parks are safe."