Rescue plan for Park Rangers?

By David J. Foster
Staff Writer

Their not extinct yet.

A proposal is being floated by City Councilman Brian O Neill (R10) that could rescue the Fairmount Park Ranger Corps by linking private and public dollars. O Neill is so determined to see the Ranger program saved that he will vote against the city budget if funds for the rangers are not included

Born in 1987 with a $10 million William Penn Foundation grant, its creators hoped the corps could act as a replacement for the defunct Fairmount Park Police. They also hoped the city would find the force so invaluable that it would pick up the costs.

But the rangers sank in the city s financial quagmire. Six years ago, the corps had 80 rangers. Today there are 17. That could be cut to six by summer.

That prospect frightens groups like the Friends of Pennypack Park. Taking the rangers away will take so much away from the park, said Bill Kranz, president of the Friends of Tacony Creek Park. I think they were taken for granted.

The rangers are synonymous with their tan uniforms and what is commonly described as Smokey Bear hats. With their expertise on the Fairmount Park system and ecology, they act as teachers and guides. With their training in first aid and the laws of the park, they are a reassuring site for those who are injured or become lost.

But to a city struggling to steady itself economically, the corps needs to offer more if it is to survive. It needs to become more valuable to the city. It will cost about $1 million to comfortably maintain current staff levels.

Fairmount Park will have to step the program up a few notches, O Neill said. The Rangers will have to have bikes where it s appropriate, maybe allterrain vehicles.

According to sources, Mayor Rendell is looking favorably at that proposal, but is insisting the private sector be involved. He wants any city money dedicated to the Rangers be matching funds. O Neill believes the match will be close to a 5050.

I think the parks can raise money for this function, O Neill said. Groups like the Friends of Tacony Creek Park and Friends of Pennypack Park have come to rely on the rangers as helpmates and security. They are so visible and so effective, O Neill said. But the cost of running the program is so (high), and the city is so strapped.

Councilman Michael Nutter (D4), who represents a large portion of the Fairmount Park system, and City Council President John Street (D5) are on board with the plan. Other Council members also support it, but wonder if the city can find the cash in this year s budget, set for a final vote this week.

I like the idea, said City Councilman Rick Mariano (D7). I d support it. I m just not sure the mayor will include it in this budget.

We re not homefree yet, O Neill said. But I think will get there, if not this week, certainly by the summer deadline.