Marion, OH Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

The closing rule is one sentence in Chapter 945 of the Marion Codified Ordinances. It authorizes and directs the Board of Park Commissioners to close all municipal parks to all visitors from midnight to 6:00 a.m., except with the permission of such Board, and to erect signs showing that the parks are so closed. The closing hours apply to every municipal park and to all visitors, and the code ties them to posted signs. The provision dates to Ord. 1971-90, passed 5-24-71.

The authority sits with the Board, not with the police. Under § 157.01 the Mayor appoints three electors of the municipality as members of the Board of Park Commissioners, for terms of three years, and the members serve without compensation. Section 157.02 says the Board exercises all rights, duties and privileges and acts under R.C. §§ 755.01 through 755.11. Section 157.04 adds a six-member Marion Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, which meets not less than one time per calendar year to make recommendations to the Board about the parks and recreational programs and facilities serving the citizens of the City of Marion, Ohio.

The only other section in Chapter 945 is § 945.02, which authorizes the Marion Recreation Board to establish reasonable fees for use of all facilities, including pools, gymnasiums and other structures, and requires the fee schedules to be advertised and posted at each facility. That section is about fees, not hours. For permission to be in a park between midnight and 6:00 a.m., the code points to one decision-maker only: the Board of Park Commissioners.