CONTACT
Major John Mattingly,
Chief of Park Rangers and Risk Management Coordinator
(317) 327-7615
Indy Parks and Recreation is committed to providing safe, clean and well-maintained facilities for your enjoyment. In addition to Park Ranger patrols, there are several steps Indy Parks has taken towards providing a safe and positive recreation and/or leisure experience:
- All Indy Parks staff, and volunteers working directly with children in Indy Parks programs, must undergo an extensive background check process, prior to employment or service.
- Indy Parks’ lifeguards are trained using the Starfish Aquatics Institute training program. This is one of the leading aquatic risk management companies involved in lifeguard training and standard of care. Lifeguard training includes certification for Adult, Child and Infant CPR, and includes Lifeguard First Responder first aid skills. Lifeguards are subject to unannounced reviews throughout the season by SAI national staff and city aquatic reviewers to ensure compliance and safety with industry safety standards.
- Park CrimeWatch is an extension of the existing CrimeWatch program, which relies on community involvement to report suspicious activities and crime. Using existing resources, Park CrimeWatch teaches people how to properly spot and report criminal activity in their neighborhood parks. Many park advisory councils and neighborhood groups are currently participating in the program with great success.
- Each of Indy Parks 127 playgrounds is part of a playground maintenance rotation, during which staff inspect equipment for potential safety hazards. However, if you notice potentially hazardous equipment, please report the park location and issue directly to Indy Parks Maintenance, 317-327-7083.
PARK USER SAFETY TIPS
Please be aware of your surroundings.
Children should be supervised by an adult at all times.
Only use park equipment and/or facilities for the intended purpose.
Report safety problems to the risk management coordinator.
Call 911 for emergencies.
Call 327-3811 for non-emergency situations.
Report all accidents to park staff or the risk management coordinator.
Never build fires at any Indy Parks location. Use charcoal only in grills provided at designated picnic spots within parks.
Guard against sunburn and long-term effects of skin cancer by using sunscreen.
Thefts from cars and of personal property left unattended at parks can be a problem. Do not take unnecessary valuables with you on your outing, and never leave any valuables unattended in the park or in the car, even in the locked trunk.
During hot and muggy days, avoid unnecessary exposure to heat and drink plenty of water.
Wear a life preserver when boating.
Watch the weather! (Sign up for emergency management notification system.)
Keep dogs on a leash at all times, unless in designated off-leash bark parks.
Stay on trails to avoid poison ivy!
RISK MANAGEMENT
In 2002 Indy Parks Director Joseph Wynns created the position of risk management coordinator to facilitate all safety/emergency aspects of the department. Some of these responsibilities include:
- Respond to and investigate serious safety related incidents.
- Maintenance of emergency action plans.
- Conduct on-site safety audits of facilities.
- Act as Indy Parks liaison to the Emergency Management Division.
- Assist with special event planing for large events.
- Document management of all accident reports.
- Manage Indy Parks wildland/prescribed fire team.