Sixteen city parks in Central and West Oahu will receive protection from private security guards starting Saturday, the city announced Thursday.

American Guards Services won the eight-month contract valued at nearly $57,000 to provide security at the rural parks through April. Last year it won the $104,000 contract to guard 25 parks in Honolulu through April.

The security program, which began in April, aims to deter vandalism. The guards will lock parking lots and restrooms when the parks close at night.

The 16 parks are Ma‘ili Beach Park, Wai‘anae District Park, Kahe Point Beach Park, Kapolei Regional Park, Kahiwelo Neighborhood Park, Kapolei Community Park, ‘Ewa Mahiko District Park, ‘Ewa Beach Community Park, Melemanu Neighborhood Park, Kipapa Neighborhood Park, Mililani Waena Neighborhood Park, Waikele Community Park, Waipahu District Park, Manana Community Park, Neal S. Blaisdell Park and Pearl Ridge Community Park.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell said vandalism at the first 25 parks to receive private security services has dropped dramatically.

The city expects to announce a similar contract for Windward Coast and North Shore parks soon, parks officials said.