Park rangers report rising citations and ask for staffing expansion tied to levy

Park Ranger Supervisor Jacob Vanderberg updated the board on program staffing, enforcement statistics, and equipment needs, reporting higher citation and arrest activity in 2025 and outlining a request for expanded staffing contingent on future levy funding.

Vanderberg said the ranger program currently includes several full‑time rangers and seasonal staff; three rangers hold limited commission authority through Spokane Police Department that allows them to make criminal trespass arrests. He reported 3,856 calls for service in 2024 (2,348 in Riverfront Park and 1,508 in other parks), 722 citations issued in 2024 and 125 arrests (June–December). Year-to-date 2025 figures show 1,426 calls for service and 58 arrests, with citation numbers increasing as the team has intensified enforcement of drug‑paraphernalia and trespass issues.

Vanderberg described enforcement priorities that include addressing unlawful entry after hours, unlawful camping, drug-paraphernalia use in playgrounds and vandalism. He said the rangers coordinate with Spokane Police dispatch (CAD) and are called to assist SPD when appropriate. He also noted the program recruits from SPD cadet and explorer programs.

Looking ahead, Vanderberg said additional staff, a dedicated fleet (including a side-by-side and updated e-bikes) and upgraded radios and equipment would be needed to expand a neighborhood-ranger model that pairs rangers to SPD neighborhoods (Northeast, Northwest, Downtown, South). He asked the board to consider staffing expansion in the context of the proposed parks levy / Together Spokane funding measures.

Board members thanked rangers for their work and asked how members of the public should contact rangers; Vanderberg said calls should go through Spokane Police dispatch, which will notify rangers via radio.