YORK, Pa. — In a ceremonial ribbon cutting, York City officials unveiled brand-new security cameras at Penn Park to help keep people safe.
“Death may have been our past, but fear will not be our future," said Michael Muldrow, the York City police commissioner.
City officials say the goal of the new cameras is to cut down on crime in the park. Commissioner Muldrow said four people have died in Penn Park since 2010.
The last death occurred in December 2023, when a 14-year-old York High School student was stabbed during a fight.
"As a father, knowing that we weren't able to give our community and our kids something we always had, it made it a situation we had to get right," said Muldrow.
In total, seven cameras were installed to watch over 90% of the park. The York City School District will also add their own cameras to cover the rest of the park.
Mayor Michael Helfrich said the cameras will bring much-needed security for parkgoers.
“The police commissioner brought me the project and I said, ‘Yes, let’s just figure out a way to fund it,'" said Mayor Helfrich.
The project cost a total of $140,000 and was paid using American Rescue Plan dollars.
"[It’s] a very inexpensive project for how much safety it will bring to our community," said Helfrich.
Davida Brown, who lives near Penn Park, said she is thrilled to see the security cameras in the park. She said she would worry about her kids' safety whenever they would walk through the park.
"Knowing that that kind of violence could occur for our children is absolutely terrifying," said Brown.
She said the cameras will give her more peace of mind and allow her and others to enjoy the park.
“It’s a lovely park and it’s good to be outdoors," said Brown. "I don’t want my kids to be couped up in the house; I want them to be able to come out and enjoy what the city has to offer.”