Vancouver's Park Rangers Now On Duty

May 23, 2006 (No. 35) - The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has commenced its popular summer Park Ranger Program. This team of 22 part-time Rangers, working primarily in Stanley Park, at the beaches and on other major city parks, has a host of responsibilities including public education regarding programs, park services and rules, monitoring of play field and general park activities (including filming and "busking"), by-law infractions, bike patrol, and general liaison work with other agencies and stakeholders. In partnership with the School Board, Rangers also are assigned to monitor Vancouver School Board playing fields during the spring and summer.

A key emphasis for the Rangers is to act as "ambassadors" for the Park Board working to better inform park users while making park and facility visits more enjoyable for all.

Park Rangers have a diverse set of schedules covering the majority of the heavily utilized areas on a daily basis from early in the morning until dusk, seven days a week. They are easily identifiable in a standardized uniform and equipped with radios and phones if back up or emergency support is required.

The Vancouver Park Board piloted the concept of a Ranger Program in 1998 and its subsequent success led to the recommendation in 2000 to consolidate various multi-tasked staff under the Park Ranger section. This more united approach has succeeded in building a "park host" image of staff, conspicuously available to help out with advice, history and direction.

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Contact John Gray at 604-257-8491 for further information. www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.