Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Ottawa County, MI Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

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

Key Facts

Summer hours
7 a.m.-10 p.m., March 1-Oct 15
Winter hours
7 a.m.-8 p.m., Oct 16-last day of Feb
Max fine
$100 plus prosecution costs
Enforcement
Sheriff's deputy or Commission Agent/Designee
Original ordinance
94-3, enacted September 13, 1991

Summary

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission properties close overnight: Section 400.3.1.4 sets park hours at 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from March 1 through October 15, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. the rest of the year, or as posted. Entering or staying past those hours without prior written permission is a civil infraction.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Ottawa County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

400.3.1.4 Park Hours and Public Use ... a) No person shall: i. Enter a Commission Park Property except during park hours unless prior permission is obtained from the Commission or its Agent. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. from March 1 through October 15; 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. from October 16 through the last day of February, or as posted.

Full Breakdown

from October 16 through the last day of February, or as posted. The same section separately bars willfully remaining on Commission property after those hours without prior written permission, using a closed park or portion of a park that has been posted closed, and re-entering after being expelled for a rule violation for a Commission-set period. 11 and makes its violations municipal civil infractions rather than criminal offenses. "Agent" under the Ordinance means the Parks and Recreation Director, Coordinator of Maintenance and Operations, or Parks Manager, any of whom, along with a sheriff's deputy, can issue a citation for being in a park after hours.

Violations & Fines

A park-hours violation is a municipal civil infraction capped at $100 plus the costs of prosecution, and a violator can also be expelled from Commission property. Any Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy, or a Commission Agent or Designee, can issue and serve the citation on probable cause, and continued or repeated violations can lead to a longer expulsion period set by the Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get permission to be in a county park after closing?
Yes, if you obtain prior written permission from the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission or its Agent, meaning the Parks and Recreation Director, Coordinator of Maintenance and Operations, or a Parks Manager, before entering or remaining past posted hours.
What are Ottawa County park hours in winter?
From October 16 through the last day of February, Commission parks are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless a specific park posts different hours. Hours extend to 10:00 p.m. from March 1 through October 15 each year.
What happens if I'm caught in a park after hours?
Section 400.3.1.4 makes it a municipal civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100 plus prosecution costs, and the Commission can also expel you and bar you from re-entering for a period it sets based on the circumstances.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ottawa County

All Ottawa County rules

Compare Ottawa County to another location·View the Michigan curfew laws overview

Get notified when Park Curfew in Ottawa County, MI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.