New Park Rangers improve trail safety

Updated: Monday, 29 Nov 2010, 10:41 PM CST
Published : Monday, 29 Nov 2010, 8:28 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The new Parks and Recreation Department' s Park Rangers are becoming an asset to area trails.

“It was kind of an unintentional impact," said Park Ranger David Schwanke. "But from what we heard from AISD police , we’re starting to cut down on a lot of thefts occurring with a lot of parked cars in the general area.”

KXAN compared the thefts from September 20th to November 20th of last year on APD crime tracker website . There were about 21 auto burglaries from the parking lots under Mopac Bridge and near Austin High School in 2009 compared to that same time period this year, when there were 10.

“It’s nice to know we’re having such an impact in such a short amount of time,” Schwanke said.

With four just added to the program, there are now about 23 uniformed rangers that are patrolling Lady Bird Lake from Longhorn Dam all the way to Zilker Park on their bicycles. And that's also creating a benefit to Austin High School .

“They’re starting to see less and less students cut class because we’re on the trail a lot and I guess they’re trying to avoid us,” as Schwanke laughed.

The first Park Rangers hit the trails on September 18th, with their first assignment helping keep pedestrian off the Pfluger pedestrian bridge while the extension was constructed.

They do not have the power to write citations or carry weapons. Their main objective is to teach safety practices and the benefits of area parks.

But, the extra "eyes" are apparently also helping fight crime.

And those who use the hike and bike trails are noticing their presence.

“I think when people see a Park Ranger, they feel comfortable and all the other issues are gone,” said Sam Wildman. "It’s also nice to know that somebody could get help for you if you need it too."

“I’m glad to know there’s a trained professional out there looking out for us," said Dirk Ourston. "And being aware of what’s going on in the vicinity.”

“Mostly we get thanked for being out here, which has been really nice having that kind of reaction from the public,” Schwanke said.

Officials plan to move the Park Ranger office soon from East Austin to the Zilker Park area in order to offer more educational opportunities to families that visit the playground area at Zilker Park.

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Students make train track safety PSA

Updated: Sunday, 28 Nov 2010, 10:54 PM CST
Published : Sunday, 28 Nov 2010, 8:13 PM CST

Two months after a deadly South Austin train accident killed a 16 year old Crockett High School student some of his peers have a project to raise awareness about safety around train tracks.

The train hit and killed James Hinojosa while police say he was walking on the tracks near Crockett High. Students at the school are making a public service announcement about train track safety.

If there's any doubt about the dangers around railroad tracks, one just has to look at this memorial cross on Stassney near the spot where a train hit and killed a Crockett High School student in September.

Now other students are taking part in a video project to educate all students about railroad safety.

"It's something that happened really close to home. It's something that affected a lot of people," said Freshman Danielle Fee.

Students still miss seeing 16 year old James Hinojosa in the halls of Crockett High.

"It was really tough for the whole school even for people that didn't know him, it was really tough," said Junior Estefania DeLeon.

Hinojosa died walking along the tracks near the school. Railroad officials said he was wearing headphones when the train came around a corner from behind him.

To prevent another tragedy like the death of Hinojosa, these audio visual production students are creating a public service announcement about railroad safety that will air on the school's news program.

"It's really important because it can happen to anybody even if they don't think it can," said DeLeon.

Using information from Operation LifeSaver, a non profit that aims to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities on train tracks, the students recorded proper ways for crossing tracks, explained why it's illegal to trespass or walk on them and urged people not to be distracted by headphones or texting near tracks.

"I hope people like they think more about what they're doing when they are close to tracks," said Freshman Breanna Escobar.

The students learned valuable lessons during research for the project.

"There's not a set time for the trains to come they can come anytime," said Fee.

They want their PSA to make a lasting impression on others.

"A lot of people don't see any danger in walking on the tracks or playing around the tracks but it really is a big danger," said DeLeon.

According to Operation LifeSaver about every 3 hours a train hits a person or vehicle. The students hope their PSA reminds their peers to be careful.

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