Bethlehem, PA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Codified Ordinances § 941.08(a)
- Standard hours
- Dawn to dusk, every day of the year
- Late-close facilities
- 11:00 p.m. at Monocacy, Sand Island, Saucon, driving range
- Special event extension notice
- 48 hours advance request to Director
- First offense fine
- $200 or 30 days
Summary
Bethlehem parks are open every day from dawn to dusk, and entering before dawn or after dusk without the Director's written permission is a violation. Certain lighted facilities close at 11:00 p.m. instead, and the Director can extend hours for approved special events.
(a) Hours. Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, parks shall be open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Exception - The following will close at 11:00 P.M.: lighted baseball fields at Monocacy, lighted tennis and basketball courts at Sand Island, lighted athletic fields at Saucon, Golf Course Driving-Range. This does not pertain to the South Bethlehem Greenway. The Director is authorized to extend the hours for special events upon the request of any group or organization, provided such request is made at least forty-eight hours prior to the date of the special event. No individual shall enter any park area before dawn or after dusk, unless such individual has written permission of the Director.
Full Breakdown
08(a) sets the general rule: except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, city parks are open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk, and no individual may enter any park area before dawn or after dusk without written permission from the Director of Parks and Public Property. instead of dusk. carve-out, following the general dawn-to-dusk rule. The Director may extend park hours for a special event, but only on request from a group or organization made at least forty-eight hours before the event date.
08(b) lets the Director close any section of a park at any time, temporarily or on a recurring schedule, entirely or for certain uses only, whenever reasonably necessary. 09: the Director, Police and City park employees enforce Article 941 and may eject any violator from the park. 99 penalty schedule.
Violations & Fines
Entering a park before dawn or after dusk (or after 11:00 p.m. at the exempted lighted facilities) without written Director permission is a summary offense under § 941.99: $200/30 days first offense, rising to $500/60 days and $1,000/90 days for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Bethlehem city parks close?
Can I get permission to be in a Bethlehem park after dark?
Is the South Bethlehem Greenway open later than other parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bethlehem
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