Always Moving: Jonesboro Launches New City Park Ranger Program

Jonesboro, AR – The City of Jonesboro is proud to announce the official launch of its new City Park ranger program, marking a milestone as one of the first municipalities in Arkansas to develop a full-time initiative blending public safety, law enforcement, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

“Most folks are familiar with state and national park rangers, but the role of city park ranger appears to be unique,” said Mayor Harold Copenhaver. “Some communities have volunteers helping in their city parks; however, with the large number of parks and community centers in Jonesboro, it’s important we dedicate trained staff for our residents’ and visitors’ safety while enjoying our parks.”

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The inaugural team includes four full-time rangers: Joshua Andrews, Myles Copenhaver, Brandon Curry, and Christian Munoz. They began service on Monday, July 7, 2025, and completed several weeks of training before patrolling throughout the city – supporting everything from park safety to community engagement. The rangers will serve across Jonesboro’s 26+ parks, community centers, Downtown Entertainment District, green spaces, and citywide special events.

These positions fall under the Code Enforcement Department and reflect the city’s ongoing investment in public safety and the visitor experience. Park Rangers are trained in de-escalating situations, crowd management, and emergency medical response. They also receive education on park rules, layouts, features, and interesting facts about nature, flora, and wildlife in Jonesboro’s parks. In addition, these Rangers will become certified crowd managers to support safe planning and execution of special events across the city.

“This isn’t just a milestone – it’s a movement,” said Mayor Copenhaver. We’re reimagining what public service looks like in our parks, our neighborhoods, and our events. These Park Rangers represent a new era of visibility, safety, and community pride.

The Park Ranger program aligns with the rollout of Jonesboro’s Parks Master Plan and was voted on by council for the FY2025 Budget.

As Jonesboro continues to grow, we must grow smarter – committed to the safety of our people, the strength of our neighborhoods, and the success of our shared spaces.

We’re not just keeping up – we’re setting the pace. And as always, we’re moving forward, together.