Bristol County municipal parks close from dusk (or 9 to 11 PM) to dawn. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton post hours at each park. After-hours presence is trespassing under MGL c. 266 §120.
Parks in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and surrounding Bristol County towns post designated closing hours — commonly dusk, 9 PM, 10 PM, or 11 PM depending on the park, season, and whether lit sports fields are present. Fall River's Kennedy Park, Ruggles Park, and North Park; New Bedford's Buttonwood Park and Fort Taber; and Taunton's Memorial Park each post their own hours at entrances. Trails may follow dawn-to-dusk rules. DCR-managed state parks (Freetown-Fall River State Forest, Massasoit State Park) have separate DCR hours under 302 CMR 12.00. Unauthorized overnight camping prohibited. Police and park rangers enforce after-hours presence as criminal trespass under MGL c. 266 §120.
After-hours trespass under MGL c. 266 §120: up to $100 fine and/or 30 days jail. Unauthorized camping: $100 to $500 under local bylaw. Vandalism during closed hours: criminal charges under MGL c. 266 §98.
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