Staff Reports | Community Updates
Phoenix City Council has approved the Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks Ordinance (G-7514) during a formal City Council meeting, establishing a framework for medical treatment and food distribution events in city parks. The ordinance will take effect June 5, 2026.
Approved by a 6-3 vote, the ordinance establishes time, place and manner requirements for events to help ensure they are conducted safely and in an orderly way while preserving public access to park spaces, according to a press release. Prior to the ordinance, these activities occurred in parks without a formal structure or oversight.
“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 wellbeing of our parks for all residents,” said Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar. “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 wellbeing of our parks for all residents.”
Key components of the ordinance:
Prohibits the sale, distribution or exchange of syringes or needles, needle exchange programs and the distribution of needle or intramuscular naloxone in parks.
Requires individuals and organizations to obtain Parks 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 or other medical sharps, or produces medical waste, including 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 to distribute food to the general public at no cost or for a nominal charge.
Limits permits to no more than two per eligible park per calendar month. Eligible parks include neighborhood parks with parking lots, community parks and regional parks, excluding sports complexes.
Requires medical treatment activities to take place in an enclosed tent or mobile medical vehicle, in a parking lot or hardscape area that is not an athletic court and to be performed under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Requires all medical and food waste to be removed from the park at the conclusion of the event.
Establishes that violations of city code are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Exemptions
The ordinance does not apply to:
First responders.
Family members providing aid to another family member.
Individuals assisting someone experiencing an emergency, including situations requiring the administration of intranasal or needle or intramuscular naloxone.
The distribution of intranasal naloxone in emergency or nonemergency situations.
Private gatherings such as family gatherings, picnics and other social events where food is served only to participants.
The distribution of water or electrolyte beverages.
Next steps
As defined in the ordinance, individuals and organizations must obtain a Parks Services permit to conduct medical treatment or food distribution events in a Phoenix park.
The Parks Services permit application process will operate on a spring, summer and fall allocation schedule. The summer 2026 allocation period opened May 7 and closes May 22, 2026. Permitted events will begin June 5, 2026.
Interested parties can apply for a Parks Services permit on the city of Phoenix website. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide an update to a Phoenix City Council subcommittee in six months.
