Rangers report rise in park engagements and list safety, maintenance incidents

Elkhart City park rangers reported increased park usage and detailed several safety and maintenance incidents during their August report at the Sept. 16 board meeting.

Ranger staff reported 5,566 park visits in August, a roughly 10% increase from July’s reported 5,030, and 5,976 ranger engagements for the month, a 9% increase from July. The rangers described multiple public-service activities during August, including free High Dive tours that attracted 109 visitors over two days and participation in community events such as river cleanup and movie-night support.

The rangers also described several incidents: a damaged slide at McNaughton Playground that required caution tape and a service request through Elkhart 311; a loose dog at Pier Moran Pool that was taken to the Elkhart Humane Society after staff identified a microchip; a bee nest discovered in an electrical box at McDonough Park reported to the city 311 system; and a woods fire at High Dive Park where rangers assisted police by identifying an easier access route.

Rangers credited cooperative work with police, fire and nonprofit volunteers during August. The report also noted one recovered set of lost keys handed to Walker Park staff.

Board members had no questions following the ranger report; the record shows appreciation for ranger activity during the month.