Westminster introduces first park ranger program, assigns two rangers to patrol 25 parks

The City of Westminster announced Aug. 13 the launch of its first park ranger program and introduced two park rangers who will patrol the city’s 25 parks, make referrals to city departments and help improve park services. City Manager Kristen Corden and Police Chief Lanier presented the new program during the council meeting and introduced Park Ranger Johnson and Park Ranger Albera.

Why it matters: The new ranger program is intended to provide a non‑sworn, uniformed presence in parks to address quality‑of‑life issues, make referrals for maintenance and services, and support public safety by augmenting police and community services staff. City leaders described the rangers as ‘‘eyes and ears’’ who will assist visitors, note park issues and coordinate responses.

Program details: The rangers will cover the city’s 25 parks and are described as the first ranger team in Westminster. Chief Lanier said both rangers hold bachelor’s degrees and have prior public-safety or community-service experience; one ranger previously worked with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide bureau and the other as a community services officer and school safety assistant. The city manager and police chief said the rangers will wear a distinct arm patch and operate dedicated vehicles and that their work will include public‑facing assistance and referrals to public works, community services and police when necessary.

Next steps and oversight: The rangers’ duties will be coordinated among public works, community services and the police department. City leaders described the positions as part of a broader effort to proactively serve parks rather than respond only to incidents.

Ending: Council and staff welcomed the new rangers and asked residents to report park concerns through existing city channels; no separate council vote was required to introduce staff and announce the program at the Aug. 13 meeting.