Phoenix, AZ Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Closed once posted, by sign or map
- Penalty class
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Minimum fine
- $50.00
- Minimum community service
- 8 hours
- Enforcement
- Park ranger or police officer
Summary
Phoenix parks are off-limits once posted as closed; entering or staying in a closed area is a misdemeanor with a mandatory fine and community service.
No person shall knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in any park except in those areas designated as open to public use and during posted hours of operation.
B. The Director shall provide public notice of the designation of areas as open or closed to public use by publishing a map which shall be available for public review and inspection at the City Clerk’s Office and the Department’s administrative offices and by any of the following:
1. Posting of appropriate signs or maps; or
2. Establishing physical barriers, including, but not limited to, posts, branches or rocks; or
3. Any other means reasonably calculated to give notice to the public of areas open or closed to public use.
C. The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to any person performing any work or activity which is authorized by the Director or the Director’s designees.
D. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $50.00 and to perform not less than eight hours of community service under the supervision of the Department. The Court shall not suspend any part or all of the imposition or execution of any sentence required by this subsection. (Ord. No. G-3659, § 4; Ord. No. G-5144, § 2, 2008; Ord. No. G-7466, § 2, 2025) State law reference—Penalty for ordinance violations, A.R.S. §§ 9-499.01, 9-240(B)(28).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Phoenix City Code § 24-36 bars knowingly entering or remaining in any park area except those designated open to public use during posted hours of operation. The Parks and Recreation Director sets and publishes open/closed status by map, posted signs, or physical barriers like posts, branches, or rocks. Anyone doing work or activity authorized by the Director is exempt. A conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying a fine of at least $50 and at least eight hours of community service, which the court cannot suspend.
Violations & Fines
Class 1 misdemeanor; minimum $50 fine plus at least 8 hours of community service, both mandatory and non-suspendable by the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Phoenix set one citywide park closing time?
What happens if I'm caught in a closed park area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona curfew laws overview
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle park curfew.