Modesto, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Hours-setting authority
- Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods Director
- Applies to
- Parks, trails, green spaces, rec facilities
- Violation classification
- Misdemeanor
- Exception for permitted events
- Department-sponsored/permitted activities
- Drug-free zone status
- All City parks, per Health & Safety Code § 11380.5
- Current ordinance effective date
- October 27, 2022 (Ord. 3749-C.S.)
Summary
The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Director sets operating hours for every Modesto park, trail, green space, and recreation facility, and staying in one outside those posted hours is a misdemeanor. Narrow exceptions cover posted extended-hours facilities, Department-sponsored or permitted events, people leaving right after such an event, and on-duty peace officers or City employees.
(2)The Director is authorized to set hours of operation for all parks, trails, green spaces, and recreation facilities. No person shall remain in any park, trail, green space, or recreational facility outside the posted hours of operation.(3)The prohibitions contained in subsection (b)(2) of this section will not apply to:(i)Special use facilities, as may be posted by the Department extending use hours;(ii)Any person attending a meeting, entertainment event, recreation activity, dance or similar activity in such park, provided such activity is sponsored or co-sponsored by the Department or permit therefor, has been issued by the Department;(iii)Any person exiting such park immediately after the conclusion of any activity set forth in subsection (b)(3)(ii) of this section;(iv)Any peace officer or employee of the City while engaged in the performance of his/her duties.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
202(b) opens by declaring it unlawful and a misdemeanor to do or permit certain acts within any City park, and paragraph (b)(2) is where the curfew sits: the Director is authorized to set hours of operation for all parks, trails, green spaces, and recreation facilities, and no person may remain in any of them outside the posted hours. Paragraph (b)(3) then carves out four exceptions: special use facilities that the Department has posted with extended hours; anyone attending a meeting, entertainment event, recreation activity, or dance that the Department sponsors, co-sponsors, or has permitted; anyone exiting the park immediately after such an activity ends; and any peace officer or City employee performing their duties.
5. 202(a), covering everything from unauthorized vehicle use and speeding over 15 mph to unpermitted fires, glass containers, and public address systems, but the after-hours presence ban and the unpermitted-alcohol rule in (b)(1) are the two acts the Code elevates to misdemeanor. The current curfew language traces to Ord. No. , effective April 7, 2017, and was further amended by Ord. No. , effective October 27, 2022.
Violations & Fines
Being present in a Modesto park, trail, green space, or recreation facility after its posted closing time is charged as a misdemeanor under the introductory clause of Section 12-4.202(b), not merely an infraction like most of the other park conduct rules in subsection (a). Officers may cite anyone found on posted park grounds after hours who does not fall within the four exceptions in Section 12-4.202(b)(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Modesto's city parks close?
Can I stay in a park after hours if I'm at an event?
Is staying in a park past closing a serious charge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
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