Forsyth County, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Park hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Youth curfew age
- 17 and under
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., daily
- Curfew status
- Pilot through Oct 12, 2026
- Adult penalty
- Up to $500 fine / misdemeanor
Summary
Winston-Salem parks are open 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and it is unlawful to be in a public park after closing without permission. A citywide youth-protection curfew also bars anyone 17 and under from public places, including parks, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
It shall be unlawful for any person to be on the premises of a public park or city-owned recreation facility after such park or recreation facility has been closed to the public, unless such person is an employee of the city acting within the scope of his duties, or unless such person has written permission from the city recreation department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks sets park hours at 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; city code makes it unlawful to be on the premises of a public park or city recreation facility after it has closed unless you are a city employee on duty or have written permission. Separately, the city's Youth Protection Ordinance (a pilot running through October 12, 2026) prohibits juveniles 17 and under from being in public places, including streets, parking lots, playgrounds and parks, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Exceptions include being with a parent or guardian, traveling to/from work, responding to an emergency, or attending a supervised school, religious, or recreational activity. Parent-directed errands are allowed only until 10:30 p.m.
Violations & Fines
Being in a closed park is a code violation. Under the youth curfew, police primarily take juveniles home and issue warnings; a supervising adult may face a fine up to $500 or misdemeanor charges, and repeat juveniles may be referred
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Winston-Salem parks close?
Does the youth curfew apply in parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina curfew laws overview
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