Parks officials cite vandalism, expand sunscreen placement and detail ranger, security steps to keep parks safe

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department told the Parks Board an ongoing vandalism problem has prompted the department to place sunscreen dispensers at staffed visitor centers and to continue a multi-pronged approach to park safety.

Director Cynthia Aguilar said repeated vandalism to dispensers at splash pads has been "at a very high rate," and that the department’s agreement with Impact Melanoma will place dispensers at South Mountain and North Mountain visitor centers where staff presence increases visibility. Aguilar added that formal sun-safety classes are not part of the current agreement but that the department can work with Impact Melanoma if the group wishes to offer classes.

The update given May (presentation began during item 3A) centered on enforcement through park rangers, expanded trespass authority, 24/7 urban ranger coverage and privately contracted overnight security. "The park rangers enforce our code of conduct," Deputy Director Jared Rogers said. "Rangers lead with education and most of our interactions ... are positive interactions." Assistant Director Marty Whitfield described the overnight security program,…