We have park rangers? Who knew?
So we’re walking the dog over to Gabriel Park yesterday in the dead of winter, and Jr V runs into one of his classmates on the playground. The only other kids there actually, did I mention it was cold? They’re playing together for a while and I’m sitting on the high curb in the back wrangling the dog when I notice a car driving down the walking path through the park. It was that certain late model of US car that indicated either older person or government employee and sure enough, there’s a City of Portland sticker on the side door. Two guys in the car, big yellow and green magnetic stickers reading “RANGER” on the back fenders of the car. The CAR. that they were DRIVING down the walking path of Gabriel Park.
I guess the park is officially patrolled. Well the path anyway.
How is it that I have NEVER seen hide nor hair of anything labeled “Ranger” in all the years I’ve lived here. And what exactly are they hoping to spot from the car?
Either way, the whole thing seemed odd. And this patrol would have only worked on a day like today - they’re not driving down those paths on any normal weekend day when it’s warmer than 40 degrees, cause it’s wall-to-wall people.
Odd.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I’ve seen them many times over the years in Gabriel and other parks in Portland. I believe they patrol all Portland parks and look out for rule/law violations such as off leash dogs (hence why they are patrolling pathways), alcohol and provide information and security to the parks.
I spoke to some last summer and think what they do is great, and am happy that Parks has people who do this.