Inside Mesa

My first introduction to the City of Mesa Park Rangers was through the Mesa Chamber Leadership, Training, and Development. I was given the opportunity to take a ride-along. At the time, I didn’t realize we had Park Rangers! Did I have something to learn.I was fortunate to meet several of the Rangers before going out on the new shift with Park Ranger John Goodie. What an experience and what a great service! I had no idea the important elements and responsibilities a Park Ranger has.We checked lighting at ball fields, drove through parks then got out and walked through areas. I was struck by the many that knew John and happy to see a Ranger on duty. Everyone had a sense of well being and safety. It was obvious the Park Ranger was a friend and a welcomed face to all that visited the park for enjoyment, family fun, or a peaceful place to relax, take a walk, or fish where possible. John did a water check looking for safety and areas of possible hazard. He checked the restrooms, at times he must send teenagers or others on there way for drug use or sex activity….having the ability to help Mesa Police by disrupting undesirable activity or calling upon an Officer if needed. Other duties included patrol of swimming pools at night, shutting off field lights according to schedules, patrol of and open and close cemetaries; it was clear to me the Park Rangers provide a critical service for the citizens of Mesa and relieve the police department in some ways as they keep on top of the activity in the parks.A cut was already made in man hours and shift hours last year. With the Park Rangers working only from 2:00 PM to Midnight, there has been a notable increase in vandelism, grafetti, and other undesirable activity in park areas, making it more difficult for families to feel safe and at ease in their parks. I can’t image a cut in this program, my hope is that it is restored to where it is fully functioning for the good of our community. At a town meeting in District 6 last month, I heard a mother passionately say she would not take her children to a park without the Park Rangers on duty.From my first-hand knowledge and experience from a seasoned John Goodie, Mesa Park Ranger, my 2004/2005 ride-along was a great insight into one of the many valued services the city provides it’s community and citizens. We need to keep the Park Rangers! We can ensure this happens as we look forward to May 16 when we vote on two revenue sources - both needed to move forward in a vibrant community that continues to grow. YES on the Primary Property Tax and YES for the increase in Sales Tax - a Yes vote for each one will ensure quality services the Park Rangers provide.