The Parks and Recreation Department has hired Wade Crimbing (left), Senior Ranger, and Reshard Durdley, Park Ranger, to fill two new Park Ranger positions for the Department. The pair assumed their duties on June 27, 2011.

The Park Rangers will provide visitor assistance and education – offering directions and explaining park features.  They will also ensure rules and regulations compliance – providing explanations for modifications of behavior. Additionally, the Rangers will maintain safety and accident prevention by ensuring natural and man-made hazards are identified and corrected and inspecting playgrounds and sports areas. Furthermore, they will engage in environmental protection and fire management to protect the park’s natural resources and respond to and assist in emergencies – from providing first aid to assisting in medical emergencies and aiding in the search for lost children.

The Rangers will strive to maintain a positive relationship with the Round Rock Police Department and will work closely with the police to ensure the health and safety of all park guests. Law enforcement officials will be contacted should enforcement issues arise.

Crimbing is a retired police officer and was in charge of the mounted patrol in Pennsylvania.  He and his wife have been looking at Round Rock for several years as an area to retire to. They have visited several times over the past 17 years as his children live in the area and he is expecting his first grandchild soon. Crimbing was a police officer for 25 years before retiring and enjoys playing golf and riding his motorcycle during his free time.

Durdley was also a police officer while in Florida and has lived in the Austin area for two years now. He is engaged to be married and will be moving to Round Rock in early August.  Durdley and his fiancé enjoy bowling and relaxing outdoors at the area lakes or city parks. The couple also enjoys traveling and has been to such exciting places as Chicago, Illinois, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  After their marriage in August, the couple has planned a honeymoon cruise to Belize.

Crimbing and Durdley will be a liaison between the public and visitors to the Round Rock parks system and will work primarily out of Old Settlers Park. The flagship for the city parks hosts approximately 1 million visitors each year through the various special and local events and tournaments hosted by the city and private and public groups. The 570-acre park has been in need of a committed monitoring program to ensure the public’s safety.