Orange County, NY Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Local Law No. 13 of 2001, § 3(3)
- Hours set by
- Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
- After-hours use
- Treated as trespass under § 4(a)
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 90 days jail
- Closures
- Commissioner/Exec/Legislature may close parks anytime
Summary
Orange County parks are open to the public only on the days and during the hours the Commissioner of Parks designates and posts. Entering or staying in a County park outside those posted hours is treated as trespass and can lead to criminal prosecution.
The Parks and Park Facilities, except as may be excluded or limited by the Commissioner, shall be open for public use on such days, at such times and according to such schedule as the Commissioner may determine or designate... The Parks and Park Facilities shall not be used other than during such times as the Commissioner shall have determined and designated. ... entering, remaining upon and/or using the Parks and/or Park Facilities at any time other than as scheduled or made available for use by County authority. Any such unauthorized entry and/or use shall constitute a trespass and be subject to civil and criminal prosecution.
Full Breakdown
Section 3 of Local Law No. 13 of 2001, the Orange County Parks System Law, gives the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation sole authority to set the days, times and schedule on which the County's parks, golf courses, trails, ball fields, museums and other facilities are open to the public, and the Commissioner may amend that schedule temporarily or permanently at any time. Paragraph 3 states plainly that 'the Parks and Park Facilities shall not be used other than during such times as the Commissioner shall have determined and designated,' and any special use outside the posted hours needs the Commissioner's advance written permission.
Beyond the daily schedule, paragraph 4 lets the Commissioner, the County Executive or the County Legislature close all or part of a park 'for such interval of time as may be deemed appropriate or necessary,' with notice given by posted signs. Section 4, subsection a, backs the curfew with a trespass rule: entering, remaining in or using a County park or facility at any time other than as scheduled or made available by County authority 'shall constitute a trespass and be subject to civil and criminal prosecution,' on top of any other penalties the law allows.
The operative posted schedule at each specific park controls; the County Parks Department maintains a current copy of all rules and regulations at its headquarters, the County Executive's office and the Clerk of the Legislature.
Violations & Fines
Being in a County park after posted closing constitutes trespass under Section 4(a) and can be prosecuted both civilly and criminally. Section 6 sets a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, per violation, enforceable by local, county or state police. Vehicles left or operated in violation of park rules can be towed and impounded at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Orange County parks close?
What happens if I'm caught in a county park after hours?
Can the county close a park entirely?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the New York curfew laws overview
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