PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 A heat wave has forced the closure of some of Phoenix\u2019s popular hiking trails, but not all violators are being cited for ignoring the restrictions.<\/p>\n
Arizona\u2019s Family has been investigating the enforcement gap after hearing from frustrated firefighters and park rangers who say they risk their own safety when hikers ignore \u201cTrail Closed\u201d signs and require rescue.<\/p>\n
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department<\/a> has not publicly addressed the citation discrepancy or responded to requests for an on-camera interview about the enforcement process.<\/p>\n On Thursday, reporter Stephanie Duprey attempted to ask Martin Whitfield, the Parks and Recreation director<\/a>, about citations and how the board holds people accountable for breaking trail rules. Whitfield said he had to prepare for a meeting and was pulled away before the conversation could continue.<\/p>\n Earlier in the week, Teleia Galaviz, the communications officer with the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department<\/a> , declined an on-camera interview but offered to answer questions in writing.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are preparing for a meeting,\u201d Galaviz said when asked why she would not do any on-camera interviews. <\/p>\n When pressed about why violators may not be cited as expected, Galaviz said, \u201cWe\u2019re more than happy to answer any questions about the heat trails in writing.\u201d<\/p>\n A formal interview request with the board chair about citations and enforcement was denied.<\/p>\n Recent incidents raise accountability questions<\/p>\n The Parks and Recreation Board<\/a> has not publicly addressed recent incidents at city parks, according to the investigation.<\/p>\n In late May, gum was stuck to the rock formation at Hole In The Rock<\/a>. It remains unclear whether park rangers cited anyone caught vandalizing the site.<\/p>\n Phoenix fire crews have also reported frustration when hikers ignore trail closures and require rescue. They say the calls strain resources and put firefighters at unnecessary risk.<\/p>\n Arizona\u2019s Family continues to seek a sit-down interview with the Parks and Recreation Board to discuss the citation process and enforcement policies for people who ignore rules or disrespect park facilities.<\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n