Tempe, AZ – The City of Tempe is launching a new park ranger program and will hire 14 new employees to staff it. These full-time city employees will serve as ambassadors for the city’s parks, preserves and green spaces starting this fall.
The program is launching thanks to a Tempe City Council-approved budget allocation for fiscal year 2023-24. Tempe’s strong financial position and favorable economic outlook has allowed for increased funding of programs and services to meet the needs of residents. The program will reside within the Community Services Department.
The city is asking for community input so that the program truly reflects the parks and neighborhoods where the rangers will be serving. A public meeting will be held Monday, July 24, from 6-7 p.m. in the Desert Willow Room in the lower level of the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. An online survey is open at tempe.gov/forum through July 31 for community members to submit feedback.
Park Rangers will provide helpful resources and information, as well as education about park rules. They will have the ability to issue city citations, though they will not carry firearms. Their focus will be on education first. Rangers will offer a service-oriented approach and be the community’s connection for information and questions.
Tempe had a park ranger program many years ago that was discontinued during the Great Recession due to necessary budget cuts. Now, the City Council is bringing the program back with adjustments and improvements to make the service even better.
“Our parks and preserves are welcoming, inviting spaces for people from all walks of life to enjoy,” said Mayor Corey Woods. “We hope that our community members will feel even more connected to these spaces and develop strong relationships with our new Park Rangers.”
Tempe Park Rangers will have a focused approach on building connection among community members and providing information about resources and services. Tempe is home to more than 50 neighborhood parks, community parks and preserves.
Positions for the park ranger program will be posted throughout July at tempe.gov/jobs. The city is seeking candidates who feel a passion for parks, want to build relationships among neighbors and can represent the wide diversity of the Tempe community.
Learn more at tempe.gov/ParkRangers.
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