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Clay County, MO Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m., all parks
Beaches open: May 1-Sept 15 only
Picnic areas (Apr-Oct): 8:30 a.m. to dusk
Max penalty: $1,000 fine / 1 year jail
Enforcing agency: Park rangers, sheriff's deputies

Summary

Clay County's parks and recreation areas run on a posted seasonal clock set by Code of Ordinances § 90.03: picnic and shelter areas close at dusk or 6:30 p.m. in winter, swimming beaches shut down after September 15, and countywide quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The parks director can post a designated area "Closed to the Public" under § 90.28, and entering after that posting is a separate offense.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(C)Hours of operation. The county park director is hereby given the authority to make exceptions to the following hours in the event of special events held at the park.(1)Facility schedule. Picnic and shelter areas (Little Platte, Crows Creek, Tryst Falls, Rocky Hollow and Claybrook) (April 1—Oct. 31) 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset (Nov. 1—March 31) 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tryst Falls and Rocky Hollow close 4:30 p.m. ... Beaches (Little Platte and Campbranch) Open May 1—Sept. 15, 8:30 to sunset Closed remainder of year ... Quiet Hours. Quiet shall be maintained between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in all park areas.

Source: Revised Statutes of MissouriView official code

Full Breakdown

03(C), the Clay County park director sets a facility schedule and may adjust it for special events. year-round. to sunset, and are closed the rest of the year. to one hour after sunset from April through November. m. " In an emergency, the sheriff, fire chief, or emergency management director can order a temporary closure. 29(F) faces separate liability.

Violations & Fines

Violating any hours-of-operation, closure, or quiet-hours provision in Chapter 90 is enforced under § 90.99: a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in the county jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. Park rangers and county law enforcement may also evict violators on the spot in addition to any court penalty, and the county prosecuting attorney handles court filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Clay County parks close?

Each facility follows its own schedule under § 90.03(C). Picnic and shelter areas at Little Platte, Crows Creek, Tryst Falls, Rocky Hollow and Claybrook stay open until one hour after sunset from April through October and until 6:30 p.m. from November through March, while Tryst Falls and Rocky Hollow close at 4:30 p.m. year-round. Beaches close for the season after September 15.

Is there a nighttime curfew in Clay County parks?

Yes. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in every park area under § 90.03(C), and the parks director can post any area "Closed to the Public" outside its scheduled hours under § 90.28. Entering a posted closed area is a separate offense from breaking quiet hours, and both are enforced under § 90.99.

What happens if I'm caught in a Clay County park after closing?

You can be cited under § 90.99 for up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in the county jail, with each day treated as a new offense. Park rangers or sheriff's deputies also have authority under § 90.99(B) to evict you from the park immediately, on top of any court penalty.

Sources & Official References

[1]Clay County, MO Code of Ordinances, Ch. 90 Parks and Recreation (Municode)

Other rules in Clay County

Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSignificant Restrictions Public Conduct: Public Alcohol UseSome Restrictions Special Events & Permits: Park Event PermitsSignificant Restrictions Special Events & Permits: Street Fair RulesSignificant Restrictions Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor PermitsLight Restrictions

All Clay County rules

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