LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

The Metro Council on Thursday approved an ordinance to fully establish the Louisville Parks Police Department, a move city officials say will strengthen training, professionalism, and long-term sustainability for the city’s park ranger program.

"It's good to have people that are well-qualified and trained to do the job. I think it's a good thing," said Kenny Yates.

According to Louisville Parks and Recreation, the ordinance removes the park ranger program’s “special police” designation to better align it with other law enforcement agencies in Kentucky. The shift will allow park rangers access to state-administered training for required certification and eligibility for grant programs. Rangers will continue to have full law enforcement authority, and the department will

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