Portsmouth, VA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Sec. 25-120(a) states it is unlawful for any person, without a director-issued permit, to go onto or enter any portion of a city park or recreation area during hours designated as closed, with the director setting and posting opening and closing hours for public information. Subsection (b) carves out a specific exception for the City Park boat ramp: anyone wanting to launch or retrieve a boat during closed hours can get a permit specifying the date and listing everyone in their party, which must be displayed to police or parks staff on demand.

Subsection (c) lets the director close any section or part of any park, entirely or for certain uses, temporarily or at regular intervals, whenever posted as "Closed to the Public," and bars using or encouraging use of an area against posted notices. Subsection (d) gives police officers standing to remove or eject anyone whose conduct disrupts the general permitted use of a park or could lead to a more serious breach of the peace, and lets officers close an entire park when conditions could seriously jeopardize public safety.

This closing-hours framework works alongside Sec. 25-121, which separately bans possessing or consuming alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances (Va. 1-3401) in any park, recreation area, or playground, except in areas designated "Closed to the Public" with the city manager's permission and appropriate ABC board permits.