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Park rangers report growing e-bike incidents, encampment work and equipment needs
Summary
Captain Brian Watkins reported the park ranger unit handled more than 1,700 calls for service and 6,800 patrol checks in 2025 and outlined challenges including Talbert Park encampments, e-bike/motorbike safety, and a shortage of ranger vehicles; the commission discussed cameras, drones and added staffing/vehicle requests.
Captain Brian Watkins presented the semiannual park ranger report March 12, telling the Parks & Community Services Commission that rangers handled over 1,700 calls for service and logged about 6,800 patrol checks last year.
"Our park rangers operate seven days a week during park hours," Captain Watkins said, underscoring that the unit currently staffs six of seven authorized ranger positions and is pursuing the seventh hire.
Key points: Watkins said Lions Park, Fairview Park and Twinkle Park generate the most calls and patrol time. The department reported 325 citations issued, 368 written reports and 349 arrests in 2025. Watkins described recurring challenges: homeless encampments and associated fire risk in Talbert Park (county jurisdiction), extensive resource damage from off-trail use, and a rising number of e-bikes and off-road motorcycles causing public-safety concerns on trails and park jumps.
Enforcement and equipment constraints: Watkins said enforcement is complicated by juveniles fleeing officers on bikes and by vehicles that cannot access deep trail areas. The ranger fleet is limited—three ranger trucks currently support seven positions—and the department requested an additional truck and an off-road side-by-side ("Razer") to reach trails. "We're looking to seek a fourth truck to expand our fleet so we're not doubling up," Watkins said.
Technology and interagency work: The department is testing drone capabilities and plans to pilot a "drone-as-first-responder" system with pod launchers, and it coordinates with county agencies on Talbert Park encampments and the Randall Preserve remediation. Watkins said the department welcomes collaboration with schools and partners on e-bike education and targeted enforcement.
Public concern and follow-up: Public commenters asked for more transparent, regularly posted ranger statistics, and questioned long-term allocations to Harper Park (where a dedicated ranger had been stationed for an extended period after a short-term pilot). Commissioners directed staff to continue twice-yearly reporting to the commission and to pursue funding and fleet options for rangers.
What happens next: Staff will continue recruiting the seventh ranger, pursue a vehicle acquisition in the budget process, refine the drone pilot and coordinate with Parks staff about prioritized patrol and camera deployments.
