Columbus, OH Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Park hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
- Exceptions
- director approval, camping permit, fishing
- Enforced by
- any law enforcement officer
- Director power
- can close/evacuate park anytime
Summary
Columbus parks open daily at 7:00 a.m. and close at 11:00 p.m. under Columbus City Codes Section 919.05, with exceptions only for director-approved activities, registered camping, and reservoir fishing.
(A)Parks shall be open daily between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with the following exceptions:(1)Upon written approval by the director.(2)Camping pursuant to Section 919.12.(3)Offshore and shorebound fishing and associated trailering activities at reservoirs, creeks, and rivers.(B)The director or any law enforcement officer may close or restrict to public use and evacuate a park, facility or area when necessitated by reason of and in the interest of the public health, safety, welfare, maintenance or any other reasons deemed necessary for public interest. (Ord. 2155-91; Ord. 1132-2008 Attach. (part); Ord. No. 1065-2011, § 1, 7-18-2011)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
The recreation and parks department restricts general park access in Columbus to the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. every day, per Section 919.05 of the Columbus City Codes. The three carve-outs are written permission from the recreation and parks director, camping in a designated area under a valid permit issued per Section 919.12, and offshore or shorebound fishing (with associated trailering) at reservoirs, creeks, and rivers. The director or any law enforcement officer can also close, restrict, or evacuate a park at any time, for any hour, when public health, safety, or maintenance requires it.
Violations & Fines
Rangers and police may cite or remove anyone in a Columbus park after 11 p.m. without director approval or a valid camping or fishing permit; any law enforcement officer can enforce this chapter under Section 919.02.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in a Columbus park after 11 p.m.?
Who enforces Columbus park closing hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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