KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

Will King County’s new park ranger program make a difference? Ursula thinks so

May 27, 2025, 5:00 AM

Golden Gardens Park (1) King County's park ranger program...

Golden Gardens Park in Seattle. (Photo: TIA International Photography via the city of Seattle)

(Photo: TIA International Photography via the city of Seattle)

King County’s park ranger program is launching in June, with six rangers serving as public safety resources across county parks, according to a news release from King County.

While some might argue having only six rangers is a waste, Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, is a fan of the idea.

“I love this idea just as much as I love the idea of having the ambassadors in Seattle’s International District, or having all those ambassadors, which come with a big expense in downtown Seattle,” she shared. “But I think that they have helped improve a lot. I absolutely agree that when you see people in uniform, you do just have a better sense of security.”

Gee questions need for King County’s park ranger program

However, Gee Scott, co-host of “Gee and Ursula,” believes the parks around King County aren’t that dangerous.

“Look, we’re in the state of Washington, this is not really a dangerous—I mean, look, yes, there’s crime everywhere, but I don’t look at any of these parks and be like I wanna stay away from there,” he said.

Yet, Ursula could think of a couple of parks that could use the extra rangers.

“Two that come to mind for me, and I think they’re two of the most beautiful spots, Golden Gardens would be one. I love Golden Gardens, but once the sun starts going down…and then the other one would be Alki Beach,” she said.

Gee did have to agree with one place feeling a little unsafe.

“I don’t know what’s been going on, but Alki at nighttime, when that sun starts going down, yeah, I agree,” he said.

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio. 

Gee and Ursula Show

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Will King County’s new park ranger program make a difference? Ursula thinks so