Cary, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew
- Dark, unless lit or permitted
- Lighted park limit
- Vacate by 11:00 p.m.
- Permission from
- Parks & rec director
- Applies to
- All Town of Cary parks
Summary
The Town of Cary bars anyone from its parks after dark unless the park has lights for extended-use activities or the parks director gives written after-hours permission.
No persons are permitted in any park during the hours of darkness except in parks lighted for extended use activities or unless written permission is obtained from the director of parks, recreations and cultural resources for after-dark programs. (Safety lights and/or night lights are not designed or intended for extended use activities). Parks lighted for extended use must be vacated by 11:00 p.m. unless special permission is granted by the director of parks, recreations and cultural resources. Parks and special facilities that require on-site supervision will have hours of operation posted and will be closed to the public other than during posted hours. (Code 1982, § 14-8; Ord. No. 80-14, § 10.1-3, 6-12-1980)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Cary's Code of Ordinances closes every town park during the hours of darkness. The only exceptions are parks lit for extended-use activities and after-dark programs approved in writing by the director of parks, recreation and cultural resources. Even lighted parks must be vacated by 11:00 p.m. unless that director grants special permission. Safety lights alone don't authorize evening use, the code says they aren't designed for extended activities. The rule covers all Town of Cary parks and greenways in Wake County.
Violations & Fines
Being in a Cary park after dark without lighting for extended use or written permission is a code violation; even lighted parks must clear out by 11:00 p.m. absent special permission from the parks director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk a Cary greenway trail after dark?
What time must I leave a lighted Cary park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina curfew laws overview
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle park curfew.