LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, announced Oct. 15 Louisville Parks and Recreation is launching its park ranger program, with the goal of enhancing safety and accessibility of the city's parks. 

"From the first day I took office, my administration has committed to enhancing the safety and health of our parks," Greenberg said. "I believe this is a crucial step toward increasing positive activation of our public space and reducing incidents of misuse of our parks, including acts of vandalism, illegal dumping and unlawful activities."

"By ensuring parks are accessible and safe, we're also creating a safer, stronger and healthier city for all Louisvillians."

Louisville was one of 10 cities selected worldwide for the Bloomberg Harvard Cross Boundary Collaboration Program in 2023, enhancing park safety through partnerships with the Louisville Metro Police Department, Metro Parks and Recreation and other agencies. LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said providing ranger service will add an additional layer of safety.

"LMPD has been a partner on the project from the beginning, and we're excited to continue the collaboration with Metro Parks," Humphrey said.

Greenberg's office said the mayor and Louisville Metro Council worked to pass a budget with $300,000 in funding for the park ranger program in June.

Those wishing to apply for senior park ranger have three weeks to do so and can complete the application process at bestparksever.com, the mayor's office said. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, in addition to five years of experience as a law enforcement officer with two years of management experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Interested candidates must also be KY POPS certified (Kentucky Police Officer Professional Standards). 

The chosen candidate will manage the Metro Parks Ranger Program, park security and ordinances related to Parks and Recreation facilities, Greenberg's office added.