Richmond, VA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 8-280(a) sets the default rule that 'all public parks, playgrounds and recreation areas in the City shall open at sunrise and shall close at sunset each day of the year,' unless another subsection of that same section says otherwise. instead of closing at sunset. and closing at midnight, with the boundary of that area posted on site. The Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities can authorize use outside the normal hours by permit or other written authorization, and can also close any site early for public safety or to protect the facility, provided reasonable notice is given, under § 8-280(d).

Occupying a park, playground or recreation area during closed hours is unlawful for anyone other than a police officer, an on-duty Parks employee, or another City employee acting with the Director's authorization, per § 8-280(e); merely walking or driving through on a public street or sidewalk to reach a destination elsewhere is expressly excluded under § 8-280(f). The rule dovetails with § 8-283, which bars parking on the street perimeter of James River Park and Forest Hill Park whenever those parks are closed under § 8-280.