Skip to main content

This alert has expired. Please change the scheduled time and publish to show again or delete.

City of Phoenix official website

Make a Payment
Report an Issue
Public Records
City Careers
Menu
Menu
Photo of Park

Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks

Keeping City parks clean, safe and accessible for everyone.

Services Permit Applications Now Open

The Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting Parks Services Permit applications for the Summer 2026 Allocation. 

Learn More

New Ordinance

On May 6, 2026, the Phoenix City Council approved the Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks Ordinance, establishing a comprehensive framework for medical treatment and food distribution events in City parks. Previously, these activities were already occurring in parks without formal structure or oversight. With the approval of the ordinance, individuals or organizations who wish to provide these services must obtain a Parks Services Permit and abide by the Phoenix City Code and Parks Code of Conduct.

 

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 a sports court, designated picnic areas, or similar dedicated park amenity space.
  • Medical treatment activities must be performed under the supervision of a licensed professional operating under the scope of their licensure. 
    • Services Permit applicants agree to provide copies of corresponding certificates, insurance and licenses
  • 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 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

Background

In December 2025, the Phoenix City Council approved the Safe Medical Treatment in Parks Ordinance, that provided parameters to ensure medical treatment activities were provided in a coordinated and safe manner in City parks. The original effective date of this ordinance was delayed to March 30, 2026, to allow time for stakeholder outreach to be conducted. 

On March 6, 2026, the City Council voted to further delay the effective date to June 1, 2026, providing additional time for ongoing stakeholder and community engagement. 

On March 22, 2026, the City of Phoenix published a proposed revised ordinance, the Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks Ordinance, which incorporated food activities into the ordinance. 

On May 6, 2026, the Phoenix City Council approved the Medical Treatment and Food Distribution in Parks Ordinance.

 

Parks Services Permit 

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 27, 2026. Parks Services Permits events will officially begin on June 5, 2026. 

For questions regarding the Parks Services Permits, call 602-262-6862 or email pks.servicespermit@phoenix.gov.

Healthy Ways to Give

Addressing homelessness is a multi‑department, Citywide initiative that brings together teams across the City of Phoenix to support both individuals in need and the surrounding community. The Office of Homeless Solutions remains committed to helping people experiencing homelessness connect with the resources they need to end their homelessness, while also supporting efforts to keep parks and neighborhoods safe and clean. OHS has dedicated outreach teams that work directly in parks to engage individuals, offer services and referrals, and ensure people are connected to the right solutions as quickly as possible.

 For residents who want to help or give back, the City 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 at givesmartaz.org or phoenix.gov/solutions.