Virginia Beach city leaders are considering creating a new park ranger program as part of next year’s budget, a move officials say could help address increasing calls for service across the city’s parks.
The proposal would fund three positions in a pilot ranger program within the city’s Parks & Recreation Department. Officials say the initiative is intended to improve safety, assist visitors and reduce the number of park-related calls handled by the Virginia Beach Police Department.
According to a City Council staff report from last year, park usage has increased in recent years. Along with that growth, the city has seen more calls related to issues such as illegal parking, after-hours use of facilities, and dogs off leash.
The staff reports states in 2024 VBPD were called 220 times and in 2023 facilities like the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp produced 159 calls for service…