Vancouver's Park Rangers On Duty Beginning Today, May 15th

May 15, 2009 (No. 25) - The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is commencing its popular summer Park Ranger Program today. This team of 25 part time Rangers, working city-wide on major city parks, has a host of responsibilities including public education regarding park services and rules, monitoring of play field and general park activities (including filming and "busking"), by-law infractions, bike patrol, and 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 beige uniform with Park Board insignia.

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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For more information, contact: Bruce MacWilliam, Stanley District Coordinator, at 604-257-8485

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 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.