By RYAN SKAITH
The City of St. Joseph is launching a Parks & Recreation Safety Initiative aimed at reducing crime and boosting public confidence through a partnership between city parks and local police.
The initiative begins with pilot projects at Hyde Park and Krug Park, two of the city’s most popular public spaces. The program relies on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a strategy that uses improved sightlines, defined access points and consistent maintenance to discourage criminal activity.
“When parks are well maintained and actively monitored, they work better for everyone,” Parks Director Jeff Atkins said. “This initiative focuses on addressing issues early and ensuring our parks are safe and accessible to the entire community.”
The move comes in response to rising instances of vandalism and theft, which have increased maintenance costs. While a city survey conducted last spring showed only 9% of residents felt unsafe in parks during the day, that number jumped to 64% after dark.
Rather than focusing solely on reactive enforcement, the program emphasizes visibility. Parks staff and police officers will conduct joint walks and increase patrols during peak hours. Physical improvements will include better lighting, vegetation management, and more aggressive graffiti and litter removal.
Community involvement is also a pillar of the plan. The city intends to expand volunteer efforts, such as youth service days and “Adopt-a-Park” programs. Additionally, officials said they will continue to work with social service partners to provide outreach and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness.
New reporting tools will soon be available for residents to flag safety and maintenance issues directly to city staff. Officials are encouraging the public to remain engaged by attending park events and reporting concerns as the pilot projects move forward.