The park ranger program is deeply rooted in the history of the Boulder County Parks & Open Space department. Early in the program’s growth, it was not uncommon for staff to moonlight as park rangers while working as park planners, educators, and trail builders. Today, county park rangers are highly trained professionals in resource protection and representatives of their communities. While they all share the same passion for the job, park rangers have different interests, skills, cultures, and lifestyles — making the park ranger group a dynamic community resource.
Park rangers work closely with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office through the Park Deputy program, and many community events, like National Night Out. They train community members to be volunteer rangers as part of the Volunteer Ranger Corps and engage teens as outdoor leaders through the Left Hand Outdoor Challenge. Park rangers patrol open space trails on foot, mountain bike, snowshoes, and horseback to ensure that visitors feel safe and welcome. And when you are lost on open space, a member of the park ranger search and rescue K-9 team will sniff you out!
As Boulder County Parks & Open Space celebrates its 50th anniversary, park rangers are reaching more communities by bringing their shared cultures, lifestyles, and languages to the job. Park rangers work with Boulder County’s Latinx communities to create outdoor memories at family events. Spanish-speaking park rangers provide critical access to park information and environmental learning. You may even see park rangers at community gatherings like PRIDE celebrations, Cinco de Mayo, Trunk or Treat, and the Boulder County Fair.
When you see a park ranger on the trail or in the community let them know how you are celebrating BCPOS’ 50th anniversary.
