Resident says Encanto Park permit dispute escalated into over-policing at LGBTQ sports event
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Summary
A public-health researcher and tournament participant told the council that a clerical permit error at an LGBTQ kickball tournament led parks staff to summon police, bringing eight patrol vehicles onto the field and alarming visiting athletes.
A Phoenix resident told the City Council Thursday that a clerical permit error at a large LGBTQ sports tournament ended with an "overreaction" by city staff and police that harmed the event's visiting participants and could hurt Phoenix's reputation as an inclusive host.
"During the Out Loud Sports Saguaro Cup tournament at Encanto Park, an event that welcomed over 300 LGBTQ plus athletes and allies from across the country, the final championship game was abruptly shut down due to a clerical permit error," said Dr. Angel Algarin, who identified himself as a public-health researcher and a District 4 resident. "Rather than using discretion or engaging in a conversation, a parks and recreation employee escalated the situation by calling the Phoenix Police Department. In response, multiple police cruisers, 8 to be exact, drove onto the field surrounding peaceful players who were confused, exhausted, and simply trying to finish a moment of community and celebration."
Algarin said the presence of multiple cruisers was "damaging" and risked discouraging future events and visitors. "For many of the visiting players, this was their first experience in Phoenix. Instead of seeing our city as inclusive and welcoming, they witnessed over policing and unnecessary escalation," he said.
Algarin urged the council to expand cultural-humility and de-escalation training to public-facing departments beyond police; he also recommended conflict-resolution protocols for parks staff and inclusion of LGBTQ residents in planning and advisory work.
Councilwoman Pastor replied that she and staff have been working on related community outreach and said she would meet with the affected community and staff to follow up. "I will be meeting with the community on Thursday along with staff at 3PM," she said.
No formal action was taken during the meeting; Pastor said staff will coordinate a follow-up meeting and work with parks and recreation to address the concerns raised.
