SALT LAKE CITY — In response to ongoing concerns about drug activity and public safety, Salt Lake City officials are exploring the idea of deploying private security guards to five parks on the city’s west side.
The proposal, currently under City Council consideration, would allocate $59,000 to fund security patrols at Jordan Park, the International Peace Gardens, Cottonwood Park, Riverside Park, and Glendale Park. The guards would be responsible for enforcing park curfews, particularly by ensuring visitors leave after sunset.
West side City Council member Alejandro Puy, a vocal advocate for the plan, believes it’s a necessary step toward making these public spaces safer and more welcoming for all.
“We’re facing a drug crisis that’s clearly visible in our parks,” Puy explained. “We have to act to preserve these areas as shared spaces for the community.”
However, not everyone agrees with the approach. Sandy Haussler, a frequent visitor to the International Peace Gardens who walks his dog there daily, voiced concern that the move could target vulnerable populations rather than improve public safety.
“It feels less about security and more about pushing out people experiencing homelessness,” Haussler said. “I’ve never felt unsafe here.”
While the idea may be new for west side parks, similar private security measures have already been implemented at three parks on Salt Lake City’s east side. In addition to patrols, the city is also considering installing surveillance cameras in the west side parks to monitor activity and maintain public amenities.
Puy said the initiative aims to ensure public spaces are respected and maintained, adding that part of the guards’ duties would include locking gates and monitoring facility conditions.
The proposal is still under review and has yet to be approved by the City Council.
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