Mayor Martin Announces Addition Of Park Attendants In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — In an effort to increase safety and security for residents and visitors, Mayor David Martin announced on Thursday that park attendants will be added to Stamford parks.

The initiative will run from May 28 through Sept. 16, according to a news release from the City's Director of Public Safety, Ted Jankowski.

"The safety and security of residents is paramount. Adding Park Attendants along with other public safety initiatives is necessary for improving the quality of life and safety at parks and beaches for the enjoyment of all residents," Jankowski said. Beach season begins this weekend in Stamford.

Martin said that safety and security for all is a top priority for his administration.

"I want all residents, families, and friends to enjoy the summer months safely," he said in a statement. " That is why I am putting forth initiatives to protect open community space to ensure that children, families and adults feel safe in our parks. Parks are public gathering places and are to be enjoyed by all.

Park Attendants will be assigned to Cove Island Park, Cummings Beach Park, West Beach, Scalzi Park and Lione Park. They will enforce park rules and regulations and will assist residents in need.

Coverage shifts will include:

• Fridays – 3pm to 11pm
• Saturdays and Sundays – 7am to 11pm

Park Attendant duties are as follows:

• Educating visitors on park regulations and compliance
• Distribution of PPE as needed
• Tactfully informing visitors when violations of park regulations occur
• Providing emergency assistance

Additionally, Martin said the Stamford Police Department will be increasing their park patrols with a new initiative instituted by Chief Timothy Shaw to increase positive community interactions. Both the SPD and Park Police will be patrolling City parks.

Residents are reminded that beach parking is being issued via license plate registration this year, stickers are no longer being used. Residents are encouraged to register on-line here.

This news comes on the heels of the city's announcement that Emergency Blue Light Towers have been installed at Latham Park and Columbus Park. There are now 11 such towers around the city.

The towers allow a caller to quickly communicate with 911 in case of an emergency. When a caller activates the emergency call button, they are immediately connected to the 911 call center via the camera and the microphone. The 911 dispatcher can see the caller via the camera and communicate with them via the microphone. The Blue Light on top of the tower enables the Police, Fire, and EMS to quickly locate the caller. There is also a mounted security camera above, which gives first responders a 360 degree view of the area.

"Let's be clear. This technology does not replace our police officers. When an emergency comes, the police have to be there, and when the emergency isn't there, we need our police to form relationships in the community," Martin said on Wednesday during his announcement of the new tower at Latham Park. "These technological improvements help augment and strengthen our ability to keep the public safe and give our police a visual tool to keep the public safe."