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Grand Rapids, MI Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

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

Key Facts

Default hours
Sunrise to sunset, every park
After-hours status
Unlawful presence without authorization
Exceptions set by
Director of Parks and Recreation
Pool hours
Separately set by the Director

Summary

Grand Rapids parks are open only from sunrise to sunset; staying in a park after dark without Parks and Recreation authorization is unlawful under Chapter 41.

The public parks of the City of Grand Rapids shall generally be open to the public between sunrise and sunset of each and every day except as to those parks designated by the Director of Parks and Recreation to be open during other hours to be determined by the Director. It shall be unlawful for any person, except those persons authorized by the Director of Parks and Recreation, to enter, be in or remain within the public parks after sunset on one day or before sunrise on the following day except where other hours are authorized by the Director of Parks and Recreation. Notwithstanding the open hours provided for in this Section, the Director may, to carry out the purposes of this Chapter, to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to improve the fair, safe and efficient use of park and recreation facilities by the public, close parks or portions of parks to public use. The Parks and Recreation Director shall establish hours during which the swimming pools and other specialized recreational facilities and areas are open and such facilities shall not be used except during those open hours.

(Ord. No. 95-39, § 1, 7-11-95)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).

Full Breakdown

Section 3.8 of the Grand Rapids City Code sets public park hours at sunrise to sunset every day, unless the Director of Parks and Recreation designates different hours for a specific park. It is unlawful for anyone without the Director's authorization to enter, remain in, or stay within a public park after sunset or before sunrise the next day. The Director can also close all or part of a park at other times to protect public health, safety and welfare, and separately sets the open hours for swimming pools and other specialized recreational facilities.

Violations & Fines

Being in a Grand Rapids park after sunset without authorization is unlawful conduct under Chapter 41; the Director can also exclude or expel violators from park property, with a hearing right for expulsions over ten days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk through a Grand Rapids park after dark?
No, parks close at sunset and it's unlawful to be inside one after sunset or before sunrise, unless the Director of Parks and Recreation has authorized different hours.
Are all Grand Rapids parks open the same hours?
No, the Director of Parks and Recreation can designate different open hours for specific parks and facilities, including swimming pools.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grand Rapids

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