To answer calls for increased safety and improved experiences, King County Parks is set to launch a new Park Ranger Program in June, as confirmed by King County officials. This initiative comes after extensive community outreach, which revealed a public desire for more visible staff presence within the park system. Six Park Rangers will assume their roles this summer, tasked with creating a more welcoming atmosphere as ambassadors, educators, and as public safety resources.
According to King County's recent statement, the rangers, who will be recognizable by their uniforms and insignia, will focus on safety and foster community through engagement and education. Set to start their field work on June 7, Park Rangers will be a fixture within King County's outdoor spaces, tackling assignments based on visitor activity and identified community needs. Tasked with supporting backcountry and bike patrols, Rangers will work in pairs to ensure expansive coverage. Based on visitor feedback, an enhanced presence was important.
Providing a comprehensive service, the Park Ranger curriculum includes training in anti-bias, search and rescue, and a range of emergency response techniques, including Wilderness First Aid and response to active shooters. In addition, King County's immigrant and refugee ordinance, cultural resources, animal control and safety, and harassment prevention for employees are covered. Each area aims to prepare the Rangers to serve a diverse community of park goers better.
