Clay, NY Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew, 4 named parks
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Curfew, all other parks
- 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Enforcing officers
- Town park rangers, prevailing agency
- Maximum fine
- $250
- Maximum jail term
- 15 days
- Exception path
- Permit from Recreation Commissioner
Summary
The Town of Clay closes its parks overnight under Town Code Chapter 163. Clay Park Central, Clay Park South, Clay Park North and Meltzer Park close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m.; every other Town park closes at 9 p.m. and reopens at 6 a.m. The Commissioner of Recreation and Human Resources can grant a permit exception.
M. Restricted hours. The following parks shall be closed to the public between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.: Clay Park Central, Clay Park South, Clay Park North and Meltzer Park. All other parks shall be closed to the public between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Exceptions to the above time limitations may be obtained by permit.
Full Breakdown
Town of Clay Code § 163-6M sets two curfews for town-owned parks. Clay Park Central, Clay Park South, Clay Park North and Meltzer Park must be closed to the public between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Every other park in the town's system, covering the smaller neighborhood and pocket parks, closes between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The section, amended 9-4-1984 by L.L. No. 1-1984, lets the Commissioner of Recreation and Human Resources grant exceptions to either time limit by permit, which is how the town authorizes supervised evening events, league games running late, or scheduled gatherings after the general public curfew.
Enforcement runs through § 163-15: the prevailing law enforcement agency, town park rangers, or any other authorized peace officer can act on a curfew violation. Under § 163-13, a park ranger or other authorized enforcer can issue an appearance ticket pursuant to Article 150 of the state Criminal Procedure Law, directing the person to appear in local criminal court. A conviction under the chapter's general penalty section, § 163-16, is punishable by a fine not exceeding $250, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 days, or both, for any violation of Chapter 163, Parks and Recreation, including staying in a closed park after hours.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in a Town of Clay park after its posted closing time, 10 p.m. for the four named parks or 9 p.m. for all others, without a Recreation Commissioner's permit, violates § 163-6M. Town park rangers and other officers authorized under § 163-15 can issue an appearance ticket under Article 150 of the Criminal Procedure Law. Conviction under § 163-16 carries a fine up to $250, up to 15 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Clay's town parks close at night?
What happens if I'm caught in a Clay park after curfew?
Can I get permission to be in a Clay park after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clay
New York rules heatmap·Compare Clay to another location·View the New York curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle park curfew.