The increased patrols came after a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg near the park late Sunday afternoon and, on Tuesday morning, a 53-year-old man was severely beaten near an entrance to the park at 89th Avenue and 153rd Street, according to police.
Park-goer Gisell Chavez said she values the park as a place for families and children but acknowledged concerns about crime in the area.
"It is nice. That's the thing. It's beautiful like nobody bothers you around here. Everybody is in their own lane. But sometimes around here, in this area, it gets crazy sometimes," Chavez said.
Miguel Sanchez, who said he knew the victim of Tuesday's attack, described the man as a familiar presence in the neighborhood.
"He used to just drink with all the others there. But they beat him because they felt like it- without no reason. For no reason they beat him. It's sad you know," Sanchez said.
Police said the 53-year-old man was taken to a hospital after complaining of chest pains and later died.
The city medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but the case is being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been announced.
Rufus King Park underwent a $1.7 million upgrade in 2008, including improvements to its turf field. Residents said maintaining safety in the park remains a priority because of its role as a gathering place for families.
"It's very important to keep it safe because as I said before we have a lot of family gatherings- a lot of families be out here passing time. So it's very important for the cops to be out here," Trini Joseph said.
Tuesday evening, police maintained a visible presence in and around the park, including marked patrol vehicles, officers on foot and officers in an unmarked vehicle.
Some park-goers, however, said enforcement should accompany increased patrols.
"I've seen a few people drinking right now with all those cops right there. And they're not really doing nothing, they're still doing it. So I don't think just having the cops here will do anything. They should actually take some action and enforce some of the laws in the parks," Imran Kahn said.
Residents said they hope the park remains a safe place for families as police continue investigating the recent incidents.