Plainfield, NJ Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 10:12-11(a) of the Plainfield Municipal Code sets the hours of operation of the parks: 8:00 a.m. to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset, Monday through Sunday, unless otherwise scheduled through the Superintendent of Recreation. Under § 10:12-2, "parks" covers any park, reservation, playground, playing field or other land owned by or under the jurisdiction of the City of Plainfield devoted to active or passive recreation, so the hours reach every City recreation site and not only the large parks.

The Division of Recreation rules in § 2:5-6.2(b) add three related limits. Rule (11) says no person may remain, stay or loiter in a playground or park except between the hours posted in the area. Rule (12) says children under eleven (11) years of age shall not be permitted on the playgrounds or in parks after sunset unless accompanied by an adult. Rule (16) says no person may remain, stay or loiter in the pool area except between the hours posted designating the pool is open for use. The posted hours and the printed hours of operation are both in the code, so a park sign and the 8:00 a.m. to half-hour-after-sunset window are read together.

Section 10:12-12 backs the hours with a duty to leave. No person shall remain within the parks who does not abide by the conditions adopted and posted by the City of Plainfield for the preservation of the good order and protection of property within the parks, or by the instructions and directions of duly authorized officers or agents of the City in the lawful performance of their duties. Any person directed by a duly authorized agent or officer to leave the park shall do so promptly and peaceably.

The same Article 12 forbids fires outside provided stoves, grills or fireplaces under § 10:12-7, and requires pets to be kept on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length under § 10:12-4, rules that apply during the open hours as well.