LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Louisville Metro Council has approved a revised ordinance for the city’s Park Ranger program, aimed at streamlining hiring and recruitment while maintaining the program’s current goals, staffing, and funding.

The ordinance, which passed 20-2 with two council members withholding their votes, updates legal language to allow park rangers access to state-mandated training and professional certification that previously was unavailable under the existing chapter.

Council members emphasized that the change is not about expanding the program but ensuring the city can recruit the most qualified personnel.

“No change in goals, no change in staffing, no change in funding," said Chief Park Ranger James Brown. "It's just trying to ensure that we're able to get the most qualified people to do it."

The Park Ranger program was established in response to violence in Louisville parks. Recent incidents include the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old and injuries to another teenager during a basketball game at California Park, as well as gunfire near the newly opened Algonquin Park pool, where a father and son were hit.

The ordinance’s passage followed a tense Metro Council meeting Thursday night that had to be paused and merged into a committee session to allow the chief park ranger, to answer questions directly.

“This will not be under LMPD; this will be under parks,” one councilmember said.

Council members noted the importance of transparency.

“I am sitting here…you can hear this discussion with your own two ears. I’m not having this discussion behind closed doors,” Jennifer Chappell, D-15, said.

Despite the extended meeting and numerous questions from council members, not all concerns were addressed before the vote.

“We have a due diligence to the public who we serve…so the high-jacking of your night to have this public discussion, I’m so sorry, you can leave at any time,” Chappell said.

The ordinance is expected to make future hiring and training for the Park Ranger program more efficient while continuing the city’s efforts to provide safe, well-managed parks for residents.

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