The Urban Park Rangers are the eyes and ears of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, monitoring our parks and facilities on foot, by bicycle and vehicle. Rangers also closely work with the Houston Police Department to monitor park security, deter vandalism and ensure overall park safety.
Park Rangers patrol parks 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Their primary goal is to help park patrons enjoy their park experience safely. Houston parks receive millions of visits annually, and to minimize risk factors the Park Rangers provided some safety tips while visiting the city's green spaces.
Safety First! Personal Safety Tips
Take a buddy - Enjoy your trail and parks with a friend. Two or more trail users can assist each other in the event of accident or injury, and one can always seek help.
Keep daylight on your side - Even though parks trails are open during normal park hours - 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. unless otherwise posted - it's better to use them during the daytime or early evening- avoid dusk and darkness.
Have someone waiting - Always let someone else know where you will be going and when you will return, and instruct him or her to call 911 if you do not return as planned.
Use all your senses - Listen for suspicious noises. Don't wear headphones; they impair your ability to hear someone approaching you from behind. If you sense that an area may be unsafe for you, leave.
Take what you need - Carry personal identification. If you use a medication frequently such as for diabetes or angina, take it and instructions for use with you. Do not leave car keys in your car.
Leave valuables at home - Don't make yourself an obvious target. If you must leave valuables in your vehicle while you are enjoying your picnic lunch or using the trails, hide them well before you arrive at the parking area.
Be easy to find - Use marked, authorized trails only.
Call for help - If you need assistance or encounter someone else needing assistance in Houston parks, call 911 or the Park Rangers Dispatch Office at (713) 845-1055.
Lost and Found For items lost in parks, contact the Dispatch Office at (713) 845-1055 to report missing items or to check if an item was found. The Dispatch Office is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Reporting trail hazards and damage To report non-emergency safety hazards or damaged trails and facilities, contact a park ranger, call the Dispatch Office or the Houston Customer Response Center by dialing 3-1-1 on a touch-tone phone.
