Tempe will hire 14 park rangers for its 50 parks and preserves

Published: Monday, July 17, 2023 - 8:05am

People are seen here at a park in the Tempe area.

City of Tempe

Tempe officials plan to hire 14 rangers to act as ambassadors to the city’s more than 50 parks and preserves, with a focus on educating the public about rules, services and resources.

Tempe is launching a new Park Rangers Program after the City Council approved the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.

This is a revival of a past program that ended due to budget cuts during the Great Recession. This new generation of Tempe park rangers will be full-time city employees under the Community Services Department.

Tempe officials plan to hire 14 rangers to act as ambassadors in the city’s more than 50 parks and preserves, with a focus on educating the public about rules, services and resources.

In a statement, city officials said the rangers will be able to issue citations but won’t carry firearms.