Park Service Officer Marimar “Mary” Moreno on the Dave Clark Path on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
Marimar Moreno, Albany’ park service officer, was walking along the Dave Clark Riverfront Path on Thursday afternoon. She was checking the path ahead of concert night at Monteith Riverpark.
The city hired Moreno three years ago, but somehow I had never run into her before Thursday. I stopped the bike when I saw her, and we chatted for a few minutes.
What about those rolled-up red flyers she had in her hand? She gave me one.
“UNLAWFUL CAMPSITE” says the headline in capital letters. “This area has been declared an unlawful campsite an a public nuisance. All temporary shelters, bedding, personal possessions and litter shall be removed by 8 a.m.”
And then there’s a space for a date to be filled in.
She has the flyers to hand out or post when she finds an improvised encampment on public property such as the city’s multiuse paths. The law makes it illegal to camp on public property when the local homeless shelters have space.
Failure to vacate such a campsite is a violation, the red flyer says. It also cites a city policy of providing “at least 72 hours notice before removing shelters and possessions at illegal campsites.”
There is more information on the paper, such as how to reclaim property that was seized. On the back, there is a list compiled by the Albany police that names shelters and many other services along with addresses and phone numbers.
When we talked on the Dave Clark Path Thursday, she had not had occasion to post any of those notices that day.
Moreno goes by Mary when she’s dealing with people. Easier to remember or say than her given name, she told me.
She started this job in June 2022. The previous October, the city council had voted to create the position of park service officer to help deal with trouble in city parks and along trails, such as graffiti and vandalism, illegal dumping and unauthorized camping.
As I wrote in a story a few weeks ago, it was my impression that encampments and associated litter were a lot less common this year along the paths where I often ride my bike.
Mary Moreno is among those who get credit for helping bring about that welcome change. (hh)
Moreno goes about her job with a smile that helps her deal with potentially troubled people.
Marimar — I applaud you! Very difficult job!
Always enjoy your “behind the scenes” stories. Thank you.
I’m going to come to your house and possibly arrest you because you’re going thru hard times. Absolutely no love given here. Get a life and gain some empathy.
Nobody is being arrested for “going through hard times.” The park service officer is trying to help people find help while also working to keep our public spaces from being ruined.
Sonya Abbott,
If you want the homeless next to you, why not leave your address so they can come to your house and stay?
People get tired of broken records repeating themselves. Why not leave your address so we can have a “rally” to show you our support? OR else come up with a fresh response.
Just because you have heard it before doesn’t mean it is not appropriate.
As often as Hasso uses this path, only ONCE in 3 years?
Oh Brother…..
And all the other paths Hasso uses? I’ve never seen her although I only use the path behind Lowes. You know, the one where she should be seen at least weekly for the last 3 years.
So I can “camp” wherever I want on city property, as long as I only stay overnight? Sweet, good to know. Im guessing its ok to defecate on the sidewalk too, as long as I dont overstay? Seems to be the popular choice among the “unhoused”. This taxpaying, bill paying, lawn mowing life is getting old, time to find some drugs, develop (or nurture an existing) mental issue, and take advantage of the freedoms granted by the working citizens of Albany. Corn is coming into season, look for my contribution on the sidewalk, so you know its from me. I love corn.
It isn’t just the NIMBY Narcissist attitude, it’s the complete lack of empathy, and assuming that anybody who possibly was fired by your fearless, orange leader does drugs has a mental issue and wants to be homeless. That complete apathy and hatred so you can look down your snooty nose on others and patch yourself on the back for how self important you are, is the real problem and the reason why this country is 1939 Nazi Germany. Shame on all of you hateful people.
After reading your comment I can see why you do not use your real name.