In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the unauthorized dumping of unfiltered debris at South Mountain Park and Preserve during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, a gate was unlocked, allowing dump trucks to deposit approximately 150 loads of debris, ranging from large rocks to fine dirt, into the park. This action went largely unnoticed until local residents, who frequented the park for outdoor activities during lockdown, observed the changes.

The issue gained further attention following a February 2021 article by Ray Stern in the Phoenix New Times, which highlighted the lack of documentation surrounding the dumping. The article revealed that the debris was delivered by a home builder, Mary Kay, without a clear paper trail indicating who authorized the operation.

During the meeting, it was noted that the head of the natural resource division had previously stated that environmental testing conducted by the Office of Environmental Programs (OEP) concluded the materials were safe for the park, provided they did not enter washes or river bottoms. However, concerns were raised about the validity of these tests, which were conducted a month after the debris was dumped and at the original job site rather than on the material already in the park. Additionally, the testing occurred after significant rainfall, which may have altered the condition of the debris.

Critics argue that the OEP was misled by the Parks Department, which was reportedly unaware that the debris had already been deposited. This situation has sparked outrage among community members, who demand accountability and better management of the park's resources. The meeting underscored the need for transparency and proper oversight to protect the integrity of South Mountain Park and Preserve.