Title
***ITEM REVISED (SEE ATTACHED MEMO AND ATTACHMENT)*** Proposed Safe Medical Care in City Parks Ordinance (Ordinance G-7467) - Citywide
Description
Request City Council approval of proposed changes to the City Code adding new Section 23-45 relating to safe medical care in City parks.
Report
Summary
The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department (Parks) is to build healthy communities through parks, programs and partnerships, and make Phoenix a better place to live, visit, and play. The City has one of the largest parks systems in the nation that provides residents and visitors more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves that have more than 200 miles of trails; 189 parks; and much more. Parks provide open space and opportunities for recreation and the Department remains steadfast in its commitment to enhance park safety and continues to use a variety of methods to address and reduce negative behaviors and security concerns.
Proposed Ordinance
The proposed Ordinance G-7467 (Attachment A) would add a new Sec. 23-45, Safe Medical Care in Parks. This ordinance prohibits events designed to provide medical treatment or care to the public, the sale or exchange of syringes and needles, and the sale or distribution of harm reduction kits in City parks and mountain preserves, as defined by Chapter 24 of the Phoenix City Code. The new ordinance does not apply to first responders, family members administering aid to another family member, or a person rendering aid to another person experiencing an emergency, including an emergency that requires the administering of Naloxone. The prohibition does not apply to the distribution of Naloxone in either a non-emergency or emergency situation.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager David Mathews and the Parks and Recreation Department.