Rec & Parks Risk Management & Security Team
Overview
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Park Rangers play a vital role in ensuring the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the city’s parks and green spaces. Their service to the community and support for allied partners includes:
Services Provided to the Community
Public Safety and Presence:
- Serve as a uniformed, non-sworn presence to deter crime, address safety concerns, and promote responsible park use.
- Patrol over 260 parks and green spaces on foot, by bike, and by vehicle to monitor activity and ensure community access.
Education and Engagement:
- Educate Park visitors on park rules, local wildlife, conservation efforts, and environmental stewardship.
- Conduct outreach programs for youth and families focused on nature, safety, and recreation.
Resource Connection:
- Act as liaisons between park users and city services, referring individuals to homeless outreach, mental health services, or recreation programs.
Emergency Response Support:
- Provide first aid and assist during medical or safety emergencies until EMS, fire, or police arrive.
- Assist with crowd control or logistics at large-scale events or natural emergencies in park areas.
Maintenance Reporting:
- Identify and report hazards, vandalism, or maintenance issues to ensure a clean and functional park environment.
Support Provided to Allied Partners:
Baltimore Police Department (BPD):
- Serve as extra eyes and ears in parks to report suspicious or criminal activity.
- Assist with non-criminal public safety concerns to reduce BPD response load.
- Provide backup with site control during community events or when police presence is limited.
Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD):
- Aid in emergency evacuations or guiding EMS to patients in hard-to-access park areas.
- Provide situational awareness during fire or rescue operations in wooded or trail areas.
Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD):
- Support public health campaigns in parks (e.g., COVID outreach, overdose response awareness).
- Identify individuals in need of behavioral health services and connect them to appropriate resources.
Neighborhood Associations & Community Groups:
- Collaborate on community clean-ups, beautification efforts, and safety walks.
- Address concerns reported by residents related to park safety, usage, and accessibility.
Other City Agencies (DPW, DOT, OEM, etc.):
- Provide logistical coordination during weather events, protests, or major park events.
- Assist with safety messaging and community outreach in green space areas.
Park Safety Public Service Announcements
Remember, your dog must be on a leash, no more than six feet long, when they are in our parks.
Remember to clean up after your dog, so we can keep our parks clean AND safe!
