Editor’s note: The following is a press release from King County.
This Saturday, six new park rangers will begin patrolling King County parks and trails to enhance park safety and improve visitor experience. This new program comes six months after the King County Council approved funding for the new park rangers in its 2025 budget, a culminating effort to curb trailhead break-ins and supplement King County Parks-funded Sheriff’s Deputies.
King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Sarah Perry expressed support for the program and appreciation that public safety concerns are being addressed.
“I’m thrilled to see the park ranger program come to fruition in time for summer hiking season,” Councilmember Dunn said. “Public safety is the number one concern of park users, and this program is a proactive way to increase safety while enhancing the overall visitor experience. I’m proud of our work to engage with the community to craft this program, and I appreciate the hard work King County Parks has put into turning this idea into reality.”
Following a series of car break-ins, vandalism incidents, and public complaints over the last several years, Councilmember Dunn called for enhanced trailhead safety, and King County Parks conducted extensive community outreach to assess what the public would like to see improved in the King County Parks system of public spaces. Participants consistently stated they wanted more official staff presence to create a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors. This outreach resulted in the King County Council approving $1.6 million in ongoing funding to establish the Park Ranger Program, fund six permanent positions, and five additional seasonal positions.
The park rangers will begin performing field work on Saturday, June 7. Rangers will be assigned across King County’s regional parks, trails, and conservation areas, with assignments based on visitor activity and community needs. Rangers will also work in pairs for backcountry and bike patrols to ensure coverage of King County’s vast outdoor spaces. Visitors will be able to easily recognize park rangers by their distinctive uniforms and the King County Parks insignia on their vehicles and mountain bikes.
The Park Ranger Program is part of a broader approach by King County Parks to improve visitor safety and accessibility. Along with operations, maintenance, and programming staff, community partners, and the King County Sheriff’s Office, the rangers will foster positive interactions through community engagement, education, and voluntary compliance with park rules.
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