Davenport, Iowa, May 2, 2012 - Anyone using a park in Davenport is now likely to see some new members of the team at Davenport Parks and Recreation. Called Parks Ambassadors, these full-time seasonal employees have begun driving around the parks and other facilities in Davenport to help patrons of the parks systems and to ensure that everyone is being courteous and sensible when using city parks.
The program was started earlier this year, and will soon boast 3 full time seasonal employees who will be out and about from 8am to midnight every day of the week. "Many other communities around the country use an Ambassador Program, and it has been very successful," according to Seve Ghose, Director of Davenport Parks and Recreation. Ghose got the idea from other Parks Departments he has been associated with.
One of the new Parks Ambassadors, Mike, has thoroughly been enjoying his time out in the field. "People are getting used to me and recognize me immediately in my marked vehicle," he said recently. Mike, like the other parks ambassadors, frequently visits Davenport's recreational trails, softball diamonds, skate parks, and the dog off leash area in the city. The Parks Ambassadors are not a private police force for the Parks and Recreation Department, but they do occasionally remind patrons of city ordinances and ask politely for compliance. "Most people are more than happy to comply," says Mike.
