Town customer service representative Patty Toal may have been the first person in town to have an inkling that the Donald Trump campaign was coming to Fountain Hills for the rally March 19.

Toal was forwarded a call from another employee about an inquiry for rental in Fountain Park. She began her routine of questions to make the reservation, asking about the event, whether it was a birthday party or picnic.

Toal said she was somewhat surprised when told it would be a political rally for Trump. She looked over her shoulder expecting to see fellow employees laughing at a prank they had played on her. No one was there.

Toal passed the call on to Recreation Supervisor Rachael Goodwin, who handles bigger events.

In spite of other media and Facebook reports, Toal said Fountain Park was the only venue requested. Community Services Director Mark Mayer said although it was reported the Community Center would be the location for the event, that was never an option. It is not large enough, and it was already booked.

Mayer said the Trump campaign is paying the town’s fee rate for the park, which is $75 per designated turf area according to the town’s published fee schedule. Also, the Fountain will be running for the event at the rate of $265 per one half hour.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said additional law enforcement services will not be costing the town. He said as county sheriff, this is part of the job that they do. Additional manpower will be on hand as well as volunteer armed posse members, according to Arpaio.

Additional security will include the MCSO helicopter in the area and a boat has been requested for Fountain Lake.

Event prep

Motorists trying to navigate their way through downtown will find that Saguaro Boulevard will be restricted during the event. The northbound lane on the outside against the park will be closed to allow for media staging and law enforcement.

Also, the Avenue of the Fountains will be closed to traffic in both directions between Saguaro and La Montana Drive. This area will be for logistical staging by law enforcement.

All public downtown parking will be available for the event, as well as where it is legal to park on the street. There will be another event at the Fountain Hills Community Center, so there may be only limited availability in the Civic Center parking area.

Those with tickets to the event should bring with them a state issued ID (driver license). They should not bring chairs, umbrellas, large bags, food. Only water is permitted. Bags are subject to search. Clear purses are encouraged. Service animals only will be allowed.

Small cameras and cell phones are permitted. “Selfie-sticks” or long lenses are prohibited.