Impact of Homeless Populations on Parks
Track: Resource Management & Park Planning

Thursday, April 30th | 3:15 - 4:30pm
Speakers: Officer Craig Hanaumi, City of Bellevue; Pat Harris, City of Bellevue; Emily Leslie, City of Bellevue; and Ryan Popke, City of Bellevue
Room: Ballroom A


Description:
Many communities are experiencing maintenance, security and visitor security issues relating to homeless populations living in parks.  This session would discuss park design, park maintenance, park security, working with community agencies to find solutions to the impact of homeless individuals and their impact to public park facilities. Many homeless people are frequenting public parks to set up camps in wooded areas or ask for handouts.  One option is to call the police but we also need to know what is the best approach to interacting with them, if that is even a preferred action.  We need to be empathetic to their situation in life and knowing how to engage with them in meaningful dialogue to encourage them to vacate the park is essential.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to discuss park design and mitigation to reduce security issues as well as define strategies to deal with homeless people in parks.
  • Participants will be able to discuss external help options. Understanding their situation with empathy.
  • Participants will be able to discuss safety and security protocol and policy. Helping them to help themselves.
Speaker Bio: Pat Harris, City of Bellevue
Pat Harris has spent the past 19 years as the Park Operations Manager for the City of Bellevue.  As the Park Operations Manager, Pat manages contract administration, park operations, sports field program. Pat has previously worked as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Bremerton WA and six years with the City of Edmonds as Parks Manager.