Bowie, MD Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 17-2W of the City of Bowie Code states plainly that no person shall be on park property from sunset to sunrise unless that park property facility is officially open for public use. The rule applies City-wide to every park managed by Bowie, defined in § 17-1 as land or water the City owns, leases, or holds an easement over for recreation, wildlife habitat, or historic and scenic preservation. Some facilities, like the Bowie Skate Park under § 17-2DD(3)(c), post their own specific closing hours set by the City Manager, and users are expected to check at City Hall if they are uncertain whether a facility is closed for the night.

Because § 17-2W is listed among the misdemeanor exceptions in § 17-5B, being present in a City park after closing is not treated as an ordinary municipal infraction; it is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. Bowie Police officers patrol City parks and can cite or arrest anyone found on the grounds overnight without authorization. This overnight closure works alongside other park protections, including the ban on unauthorized camping under § 17-2CC and the requirement in § 17-2A that visitors comply with posted signs and the directions of City staff during emergencies.

Anyone needing after-hours access for a permitted event, such as a nighttime festival or fireworks display, must arrange it through the City Manager's office in advance rather than relying on general park access.