RAPID CITY, SD – During Monday’s City Council meeting, officials delivered a comprehensive update on the Rapid City Park Ranger Program, highlighting its impact on local safety since its launch in August 2024.
The initiative was established to provide proactive safety patrols throughout the Rapid City parks system, focusing on park facilities, visitors, and municipal personnel. The team, which consists of four full-time rangers and one supervisor, is tasked with addressing several urban challenges, including public intoxication, vandalism, and issues related to homelessness.
Data released during the meeting shows that since the program’s inception, rangers have conducted more than 29,000 patrols. These efforts resulted in 11,406 reported events or incidents, with the majority involving individuals sleeping in parks or cases of public intoxication.
“The goal of the park ranger program is keeping our community safe,” said Park Ranger Superintendent Jerrell Lewellen. “We are committed to supporting a safe and welcoming environment in our parks, protect natural and park resources and assist in the delivery of public safety services.”
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun noted that the program was a centerpiece of his public safety agenda upon taking office.
“The park ranger program is meeting a great need in our community,” Salamun said. “They are a great resource and their regular patrols of our park system offers a real proactive approach to providing protection in our parks, serving as an additional asset to those in need.”
City Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Biegler told the council that the program has proven its effectiveness over its first 18 months of operation.
“The park rangers are helping to provide a critical set of eyes and ears in our greenways, parks, facilities and along the bike path,” Biegler said. “Often they may be the first to see an issue or encounter an individual in need.”
According to Lewellen, the rangers prioritize voluntary compliance by engaging with the community and educating the public on municipal codes and park rules. The team frequently coordinates these efforts with the Rapid City Police Department and Rapid City Fire Department.
The program continues to operate under the oversight of the Rapid City Parks Division.
