The Phoenix City Council voted 6-3 on Wednesday to approve a new ordinance regulating food distribution and medical treatment activities in city parks, creating a formal permitting process for organizations that provide outreach services in public spaces.
The ordinance, known as G-7514, will take effect June 5 and establishes new rules governing when and where charitable food programs and certain medical services can operate inside Phoenix parks.
City leaders said the measure is intended to balance humanitarian outreach efforts with public safety and park accessibility concerns. Before the ordinance was approved, food distribution and medical outreach activities could take place in parks without a formal regulatory structure.
“As a city, we are committed to ensuring our public spaces serve the community in a safe, organized and equitable way,” Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar said in a statement released after the vote. “This ordinance provides the structure needed to support these important activities, while preserving the accessibility and wellbeing of our parks for all residents.”
Under the new rules, individuals and organizations must obtain a Parks Services Permit before hosting food distribution events or conducting certain medical treatment activities in city parks. The ordinance also limits permits to no more than two events per eligible park each month.
The policy specifically prohibits needle exchange programs and the distribution or exchange of syringes in parks. It also bans the distribution of injectable naloxone, though intranasal naloxone — commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses — will still be permitted.
The ordinance defines “medical treatment” as activities involving needles, syringes, medical sharps or medical waste, including used bandages and dressings. Those services must be conducted either inside enclosed tents or mobile medical vehicles and supervised by licensed professionals operating within their scope of practice.
Food distribution events are defined as organized charitable gatherings that provide meals or food to members of the public either free of charge or for a nominal fee.
The rules apply to neighborhood parks with parking lots, community parks and regional parks, though sports complexes are excluded. Organizers will also be required to remove all medical and food-related waste at the conclusion of events.
Violations of the ordinance could result in a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
Several exemptions were included in the final policy. The ordinance does not apply to first responders, family members providing care to relatives or people assisting during emergencies. It also allows the distribution of water, electrolyte drinks and intranasal naloxone without permits.
Private social gatherings such as family picnics and parties are also exempt.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department said applications for the first round of summer permits opened May 7 and will close May 22. Approved permit activities can begin once the ordinance takes effect in June.
City officials also said the ordinance will be reviewed again in six months by a Phoenix City Council subcommittee.
