Stedman, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 69.02 Hours of Operation
- Park hours
- dawn to dusk
- After-hours exception
- Board of Commissioners' special permission
- Criminal penalty
- up to $1,000/30 days (§ 69.05(B))
- Civil penalty
- $500 per offense (§ 69.05(C))
Summary
Stedman's Ernest Freeman Park and all town recreation areas are open only between dawn and dusk. Being in the park outside those hours is unlawful unless the Board of Commissioners grants special permission, and the Town can close all or part of a recreation area at any time or to certain users.
The Stedman Ernest Freeman Park and recreation areas shall be open to the public between dawn and dusk. It shall be unlawful for any person to use or inhabit the park or recreation area at any time other than the hours that the park or recreation area is open to the public, unless the Town Board of Commissioners grants special permission. ... Any person who shall violate the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor p ... unishable by a fine of not more than $1000.00 or imprisonment for not more than thirty (30) days, or both, at the discretion of the court, as provided in Section 14-4 of the General Statutes of North Carolina.
Full Breakdown
Section 69.02 sets the park's operating hours: Ernest Freeman Park and the Town's other recreation areas are open to the public between dawn and dusk, and it is unlawful to use or inhabit the park or a recreation area at any time outside those hours unless the Town Board of Commissioners grants special permission. The Town also reserves the right to declare any section of a public recreation area closed to the public at any time or interval, temporarily or on a regular schedule, and to particular users. The curfew sits inside Chapter 69's broader conduct rules: § 69.04(C) separately bars dogs and other animals from the park at any time, and § 69.04(K) bars any child age 12 or under from being in the park without adult supervision. Chapter 69's purpose clause, § 69.01, states that it governs the use, occupancy and conduct of persons in Ernest Freeman Park and all Town-owned recreation areas.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the park hours or any other Chapter 69 rule is a misdemeanor under § 69.05(B), punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00 or up to 30 days' imprisonment, or both, as provided in N.C.G.S. § 14-4; a minor found in violation has the citation issued to a parent or guardian. Section 69.05(C) separately allows a civil penalty of $500.00 per offense, and § 69.05(A) lets any officer or authorized town employee eject a violator from the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Stedman's park close?
Can Stedman close the park early or on short notice?
What happens if I'm caught in Stedman's park after dark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stedman
Compare Stedman to another location·View the North Carolina curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle park curfew.