2025-06-23 Park securityLewis County Facilities
571 NW Prindle St
Chehalis WA 98532
Read Ahead - Board of County Commissioners
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2025
Topic: Increased Criminal Activity and Safety Concerns at Schaffer County Park
Prepared by: Alex Murray, Facilities Administrator
Background
Since the departure of the Schaffer Park Host in mid -April 2025, the park has experienced a
significant increase in criminal and suspicious activities. The absence of a consistent on -site
presence has resulted in a noticeable degradation of safety, increased misuse of the park,
and growing concern from the public.
Recent Dispatch Calls (Since May 15, 2025)
A sample of law enforcement dispatches illustrates the severity and frequency of issues:
• May 15 - Reports of gunshots and suspicious vehicle behavior.
• May 25 - Witness report of a woman physically assaulting a child.
• June 3 - Individuals soliciting fentanyl to park users, including juveniles.
• June 5 - Reports of illegal camping, drug use, and unresponsive individual (ALS
response).
• June 6 - Dirt bike activity throughout the park, including over the footbridge.
• June 15 - Loud explosions and public disturbances.
• June 16 - Verbal domestic dispute escalating into reckless driving behavior.
Facilities Observations
In addition to dispatched law enforcement activity, Facilities staff have observed the
following:
• Homemade Cardboard Shooting Targets - Found set up within the park grounds.
• Significant Increase in Household Trash - Large volumes of domestic waste being
deposited in the park dumpster, suggesting misuse by non -park users.
Caretaker Role Status
• The previous caretaker vacated in mid -April.
• Two applicants have been reviewed but were disqualified:
o One was unhoused, and their trailer was not up to standards.
o One intended to house seven individuals on -site, which is not appropriate for
the caretaker role:
• Staff continue the search for a qualified candidate who aligns with County standards
and can serve as an effective deterrent and presence.
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Current County Response
• Sheriffs Office: Notified, increasing presence at the park as staffing allows.
• Staff Surveillance: Facilities staff have been instructed to increase presence when
nearby.
• Director Monitoring: The Facilities Director conducts periodic drive-throughs after
work hours.
Proposed Temporary Mitigation Measures
To immediately address growing safety concerns, the following actions are proposed:
1. Deploy Video Surveillance Trailer
o Estimated cost: $1,300/month
o Provides deterrence and records high -activity areas.
2. Contracted Security Company Drive -By Checks
o Duties: Open and close park gates, visual inspections, after-hours deterrence.
o Pending vendor confirmation and scheduling.
3. Exterior Lighting Upgrades (In Process)
o Targeted illumination of the picnic shelter and restroom areas.
o Conducted by Facilities Electrician to reduce concealment areas.
4. Signage Installation
o "Smile, You're on Camera" signs added at the park entrance.
S. Repair of Existing Restroom Camera
o One security camera located above restrooms is nonfunctional.
o Facilities will assess and restore functionality.
6. Locking the Park Dumpster (To follow trailer installation)
o Once the video surveillance trailer is installed, the large dumpster will be
locked to prevent illegal dumping.
o Past Attempt Result: When previously trialed without surveillance,
household trash was dumped on the ground next to the locked dumpster.
o New Strategy: With the deterrent of visible surveillance, the County
anticipates fewer individuals will be emboldened to leave trash outside the
bin.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The Facilities Department is actively working to stabilize the situation and increase safety
through deterrence, visibility, and temporary monitoring. However, a permanent on -site
caretaker remains the most sustainable and cost-effective long-term solution.
Commissioner Input Requested:
• Endorsement of temporary mitigation measures.
• Guidance or support for longer -term caretaker recruitment strategy.