Kingsport, TN Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Closure window
- Between dark and dawn
- Days covered
- Each day of the week, including Sunday
- Exception
- Programs and activities authorized by parks and recreation department
- Other facilities' hours
- Set by parks director, approved by advisory committee
- Overnight camping
- Unlawful in public parks except Bays Mountain Park (§ 66-98)
- Default penalty
- Not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00 (§ 1-14)
Summary
Under Code § 66-99, every municipal park in the City of Kingsport, Tennessee is closed between dark and dawn each day of the week, including Sunday. Being present in or occupying a park in that window is unlawful, except during programs and activities authorized by the parks and recreation department.
(a)Except as otherwise provided, all municipal parks within the city shall be closed between dark and dawn each day of the week, including Sunday, except for programs and activities authorized by the parks and recreation department. It shall be unlawful for any person to be present in or occupy such public parks between such time.(b)General hours of operation for all other parks and recreation facilities shall be determined by the parks and recreation director and approved by the parks and recreation advisory committee.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 66-99(a) opens with "Except as otherwise provided" and then closes all municipal parks within the city from dark to dawn every day, including Sunday. The only carve-out printed in the section is for programs and activities authorized by the parks and recreation department. The unlawful act is presence: it is unlawful for any person to be present in or occupy such public parks between those times. Subsection (b) gives the parks and recreation director the job of determining general hours of operation for all other parks and recreation facilities, subject to approval by the parks and recreation advisory committee.
The rule sits in Chapter 66, Article III, Park Operation, next to Sec. 66-98, which makes it unlawful to camp overnight in any public park, with an exception for Bays Mountain Park and special programs approved by the director. Sec. 66-101 restricts motor-powered vehicles in any public park to the roadways and parking lots designated for vehicular travel or parking, and exempts wheelchairs and mobility devices for disabled individuals. Sec. 66-105 bars a horse, pony, mule or donkey in any park or recreation area without written authorization from the city manager, and Sec.
66-106 requires the same written authorization for any commercial activity, granted for a period not to exceed ten days in connection with a city-sponsored recreational activity open to the general public, such as Fun Fest. The minors' curfew in Sec. 62-189 separately covers parks for a child under 16 between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 66-99 prints no penalty amount, so the general penalty in Sec. 1-14 applies: not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00, unless state law permits more, with each day of violation a separate offense unless an ordinance provides otherwise. Presence in a closed park between dark and dawn is the offense; the exception covers only programs and activities authorized by the parks and recreation department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Kingsport parks close?
Can I be in a Kingsport park after dark for an event?
Does the park closing rule name Bays Mountain Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kingsport
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