Phoenix City Council Approves Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks Ordinance

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 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 6-3 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. Prior to 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 wellbeing 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/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, 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 Parks 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 1 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/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 Parks Services Permit in order to conduct a medical treatment or food distribution event in a Phoenix park.

The Parks Services Permit application process will operate on a spring, summer and fall allocation schedule. The inaugural summer 2026 allocation period will open on May 7 and close on May 22, 2026. Parks Services Permits events will officially begin on June 5, 2026.  

Interested parties can apply for a Parks 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 in Parks Ordinance, visit phoenix.gov/parksordinance.  

To apply for a Parks Services Permit, visit phoenix.gov/parks/servicespermits.

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 can explore meaningful ways to help at givesmartaz.org or phoenix.gov/solutions.