Discussion
Citizens expect the City to ensure public safety and security in City parks and recreation facilities. Meeting that expectation should continue to be a top priority for Boise Parks & Recreation. The Department should continue to provide a safe and secure environment in all of its facilities and recreation programs. Safety and risk management initiatives and performance standards regarding the design of parks, staffing of recreation facilities and programs, and application of chemicals, should be continued. Expansion of the City’s open space holdings dictates that the Department must provide a sustainable and appropriate balance between public safety and security and the protection of open space values. The City should continue to require close coordination between Boise Police Department and Boise Parks & Recreation to address security issues as they arise. Also, Boise Parks & Recreation should support the City’s community policing program initiative. Finally, the City should look to develop, monitor, and track crime statistics for its parks and recreation system to help ensure that safety and security issues are constantly evaluated and addressed.