Session Title: (464) Preserving a Walk in the Park: A Partnering Approach to Managing Park Safety and Security

Session Type: Education Session Talk
Topic(s): Customer Service, Operations and Maintenance
Partnerships, Safety and Security

Day/Time: Thursday - Block 8
10/12/2023 12:30 PM (Central Time (US & Canada)) - 10/12/2023 01:30 PM (Central Time (US & Canada))

Room: Room C146

Audience Experience Level: Any level
Audience Familiarity with DEI: Any Level
CEU: 0.1

Description:
Safety and security in large, urban park systems is not just “a walk in the park.” The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department leverages multiple resources using an integrated, interagency approach, all with preservation of safety and security in the park system as the primary objective. This session will provide an overview of existing programs designed to enhance safety and security in park facilities. Panelists will give perspectives on striking the delicate balance between being customer-focused and the need to enforce park rules, city ordinances, and the law. The complex matter of homelessness rests at the forefront of strategic priorities for city leaders. Homelessness is prevalent in city parks, requiring city staff to mitigate these situations using compassionate, equitable methodologies. Session panelists will explore the challenges involved with reconciling homelessness in city parks against responsible park stewardship and customer perception.

Learning Objectives:
1. Attendees will learn to understand the major safety factors adversely impacting customer experience in city parks.
2. Attendees will learn how the Interagency Coordination and Integration approach enhances park safety and security.
3. Attendees will gain an appreciation for the balance between customer service and enforcement to sustain the mission of being responsible stewards of city park facilities, while ensuring equity and inclusion principles are applied.

Speaker(s):

Chris Cisneros
Takeisha Reed
Rick Watson
Renee Johnson