Parks & Recreation Home

 || Mission Statement || Park Ranger Code of Ethics || Patrol Areas ||
Ranger Staff || Programs || Authority and Duties ||

KIRKWOOD PARK RANGER

The Kirkwood Park Rangers serve the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Kirkwood, Missouri.  Kirkwood is municipality of 27,500 people located in southwest Saint Louis County.   

Mission Statement

The goals of the Kirkwood Park Rangers are:

1. to provide a safe, enjoyable park system through dedicated, consistent patrols,

2. and to maintain positive relations between citizens and the Parks and Recreation Department through courteous assistance.  

Park Ranger Code of Ethics

             As a park ranger, my primary duty is to assure each visitor a quality experience.  This I will do by protecting the visitor from harm by others or by hazards existing within the park; by protecting the resource base upon which the visitor’s experience is dependent; by exhibiting conduct and behavior that sets the example for all to follow; and by continuously adhering to the principle of service to others above self.

            I will do all within my power to develop to a high degree the personality traits of integrity, courage, enthusiasm, initiative, tact, judgment, sensitivity, courtesy, cheerfulness, and patience.  I will strive to continuously exhibit pride in my profession and the City I serve.  I recognize the qualities of self-confidence, self-respect and self-discipline as essential to my function as a park ranger.

            I pledge to serve the park visitor, my park agency, and my City to the best of my abilities and accept the trust placed in me to carry out the responsibilities of a park ranger. (excerpted from the Park Ranger Handbook, Shiner).

 Patrol Areas

             The park rangers patrol all nine of Kirkwood’s parks which include ball fields, a multi-use Community Center, an indoor ice rink, a state of the art outdoor aquatic center, tennis courts, a small fishing lake, a 95 acre nature park, several neighborhood playground parks, an outdoor Farmer’s Market, and Meramec River boat and fishing access points.  Patrols are conducted in a marked patrol vehicle, on mountain bikes, and by foot.     

 Ranger Staff

             The park rangers currently have a staff of seven people; one full time Senior Park Ranger and six permanent part time staff members. 

 Programs

Fishing Program
A great new trout fishing program with the Park Ranger is coming this fall. Call 314-822-5826 for more information.

Star Gazing Date
Have you ever looked up to the sky and wondered what you’re seeing up there? Would you like to learn some basic star gazing techniques? The St. Louis Astronomical Society will be at Kirkwood Park TBA from 8:30-10:00 p.m. to talk about the sky during the spring. Bring a lawn chair/sleeping bag and binoculars and enjoy a FREE night for the whole family. For more information call 822-5855 to reserve a spot or e-mail Senior Ranger.

            Rangers are also in charge of administering the Park Watch program.  Park Watch is an outgrowth of traditional Neighborhood Watch groups.  It is a program that brings park visitors, neighbors, park rangers and police officers together to ensure a quality system of parks and recreation facilities and services for all to enjoy.  Visitors and neighbors are encouraged to be good observers and reporters of any potential problems, such as suspicious activities, vandalism, or maintenance needs, they encounter within the parks.  Park Watch participants should report only and NOT attempt to intervene or correct a problem.  This is the responsibility of the park rangers, police and park maintenance staff.  The Kirkwood Park Watch hotline phone number is 314-984-5984, ext. 540.  (For further information on the Park Watch program, please call 314-822-5826.  To report a crime in progress or a medical emergency, call 911.)

 Authority and Duties

             Our rangers have the authority to make arrests, issue warnings & summons for all violations that occur in any of our parks.  Rangers are not firearms certified, but do carry pepper spray and expandable batons. 

            Typical duties include park visitor assistance, patrolling of all parks and facilities, running programs, providing security for aquatic center and ice rink activities, rendering first aid, and providing traffic and crowd control at special events.