SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Phoenix Parks Medical Treatment and Food Distribution Ordinance
Episode Date: May 13, 2026Send us a text and chime in!Today, the Phoenix City Council approved the Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks Ordinance (G-7514) during the Formal City Council Meeting, establishing a comp...rehensive framework for medical treatment and food distribution events in City parks. The ordinance will go into effect on June 5, 2026. Approved by a 6-3 vote, the ordinance establishes time, manner, and place requirements for medical treatment and food distribution events to ensure they are conducted safely, orderly, and equitably while preserving public access to park spaces for all residents. Before this ordinance, these activities occurred in parks without any formal structure or oversight. The... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/phoenix-parks-medical-treatment-and-food-distribution-ordinance/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network
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Today, the Phoenix City Council approved the medical treatment and food distribution in parks ordinance,
G7,514, during the formal City Council meeting, establishing a comprehensive framework for medical treatment and food distribution events in city parks.
The ordinance will go into effect on June 5, 2026.
Approved by a 6 to 3 vote, the ordinance establishes time, manner, and place requirements.
for medical treatment and food distribution events to ensure they are conducted safely,
orderly, and equitably while preserving public access to park spaces for all residents.
Before this ordinance, these activities occurred in parks without any formal structure or oversight.
The City Council's approval today underscores the city's commitment to ensuring parks remain
safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.
As a city, we are committed to ensuring our public spaces serve the community in a safe,
organized and equitable way.
This ordinance provides the structure needed to support these important activities, while preserving the accessibility and well-being of our parks for all residents, said Deputy City Manager, Cynthia Aguilar.
Key components of the ordinance. Prohibits the sale, distribution, or exchange of syringes or needles, needle exchange programs, and the distribution of needle-slash-inthumuscular naloxone in parks.
Requires individuals and organizations to obtain park services permits to conduct medical treatment or food distribution.
activities in parks and to comply with applicable regulations.
Medical treatment is defined as any act that involves the use of needles,
syringes, other medical sharps, or produces medical waste, including but not limited to bandages
and dressings. Food distribution event is defined as a gathering conducted by an individual
or organization for charitable or humanitarian purposes, at a park that is planned,
organized, or conducted to distribute food to any member of the general public at no cost or for a
nominal charge. No more than two park services permits per eligible park, per calendar month,
will be issued. Eligible parks include neighborhood parks with parking lots, community parks,
and regional parks, excluding sports complexes. Medical treatment activities must take place in an
enclosed tent or mobile medical vehicle, in a parking lot or hardscape area that is not an athletic
court, and must be performed under the supervision of a licensed professional operating under the
scope of their licensure. All medical waste, including sharps and bandages, and food waste must be
removed from the park at the conclusion of the event. Violation of the city code is a class one
misdemeanor. The ordinance does not apply to first responders. Family members providing aid to
another family member. Any person assisting someone experiencing an emergency, including situations requiring
the administration of either intranasal or needle slash intramuscular naloxone.
The distribution of intranasal naloxone in either emergency or non-emergency situations.
Private gatherings, such as family gatherings, picnics, and other social events, where food is served
only for participants of those events.
The distribution of water or electrolyte beverages.
Next steps. As defined in the ordinance, individuals and organizations are required to obtain a
park services permit in order to conduct a medical treatment or food distribution event in a Phoenix
Park. The Park Services Permit application process will operate on a spring, summer, and fall
allocation schedule. The inaugural summer 2026 allocation period will open on May 7th and close on May 22nd
2020. Park Services Permits events will officially begin on June 5, 26. Interested parties can
apply for a Park Services permit on the City of Phoenix's website. The Parks and Recreation
Department will provide an update to the appropriate Phoenix City Council subcommittee in six months.
More information. To learn more about the medical treatment and food distribution and parks ordinance, visit phoenix.gov slash parks ordinance.
To apply for a park services permit, visit phoenix.gov slash parks slash service permits.
For residents who want to help or give back to the community, the city of Phoenix encourages participating in healthy giving,
an easy way to make a lasting difference by supporting trusted nonprofit and community organizations rather than giving one-off donations in public spaces.
You can explore meaningful ways to help it give a smartaz.org or phoenix.gov slash solutions.
Read more stories from the Phoenix area on signals a z.com.
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