WORKSHOP – Citywide Park Ranger Program
Citywide Park Ranger Program
FRESNO CLEAN AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (Measure P):
SEC. 7-1506. EXPENDITURE PLAN: The revenues generated by the retail transactions and use tax imposed by this ordinance shall be allocated by the City of Fresno on an annual basis (1) Improving and Maintaining Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds. (2) New Neighborhood Parks; Senior and Youth Recreation Facilities. (3) Youth and Senior Recreation Programs; After School Programs; and Job Training for Youth and Veterans. (4) Expanded Access to Arts and Culture.
(5) Safe Walking and Biking Trails; Street Beautification and Litter Removal; and the San Joaquin River Parkway.
(6) Program implementation, planning and plan updates, program and project innovation, and audit and oversight support.
Park Ranger Program
• Park Rangers will ensure the safety of our users. The City’s Park Rangers will patrol Fresno’s neighborhood and regional parks on foot, bicycles, off-road vehicles, and they work jointly with the PARCS Department.
• Park Rangers also support and engage the community in activities within our city parks, and facilitate
environmental awareness and education on the proper use of City parks through regular contact with park users.
Park Ranger Roles
• The City of Fresno Park Ranger Program will provide the community the opportunity to enjoy a safe and enjoyable park environment through positive community relations.
• Park Rangers will ensure patrons' safety by conducting perimeter, interior, and foot patrols of parks, skate parks, gyms, community centers and other parks facilities.
• Park Rangers will assist throughout the year at City-wide special events and monitor/verify park usage permits, public events, locking and unlocking restrooms and car gates and organized sports groups.
Citywide Park Inventory
• Pocket Parks (22)
0.5 – 1 acre | serves small area
Small, comfortable, inviting open spaces designed to allow people to engage in active or passive activity, and be sociable places.
• Neighborhood Park (43)
2 - 10 acres | serves neighborhood
Contribute to a distinct neighborhood identity and serve as a recreational and social focal point for the surrounding neighborhood. Often have a multipurpose room or hall. • Community Park (4)
10 – 40+ acres | serves area
Provide space for members of the community to congregate for area-wide functions or programs outdoors or within a community center building.
• Regional Park (3)
40 – 1000+ acres | serves region
Serve the entire City of Fresno and surrounding communities providing active and passive recreation opportunities, and unique public facilities for use by the greater Fresno Area.
Calls for Service
SW:
946
2,836
calls for
service
CE:
441
SE:
162
NW:
343
NE:
726
• Annual calls for service and cost of
Repairs to PARCS Facilities
• 2018: $37,321
• 2019: $54,328
• 2020: $69,498
• 2021: $88,125
• 2022: $24,668 (4 months)
• Damage included broken windows,
doors, wire theft, fence repairs, graffiti,
theft of catalytic converters from
vehicles. In addition to the repairs,
facilities are unavailable to the
community until the repairs can be
made.
Park Rangers Proposal
• Park Rangers will be comparable to a Community Service Officer II and consist of unarmed personnel.
• The uniform will be a light blue polo shirt with an embroidered badge and “Ranger” emblazoned on the back, and dark blue BDU style pants or shorts.
• Park Rangers will utilize hybrid trucks, electric bicycles, and Polaris ATV style vehicles to respond to the needs of the park facilities.
Proposal Continued
• Park Rangers will be evenly distributed to the five policing districts and will patrol the parks seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00a.m. • Rangers will be assigned by existing policing districts to allow for familiarity with locations and consistent supervision by patrol sergeants. • The overlap days will be on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (highest park attendance days).
Cost Analysis
Equipment
• Ten (10) Ford Maverick Hybrid
Trucks: $478,176
• Two (2) Polaris Ranger Ev’s ATV-style
vehicles: $46,938
Costs
• Ten (10) Trek brand e-service
bicycles: $50,000
• Total: $578,073
*
• Total Startup
Estimate: $2,156,693
Hiring
• Salary: $72,846/year with benefits
• Uniforms: $876/year
• Duty Equipment: $5,209 (one time)
Costs
• Total: $78,931 per Ranger
• For 20 positions: $1,578,620
*
• Additional cost for contract law
enforcement or overtime for
sworn officers