Taunton, MA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 334-9 of the Peace and Good Order chapter, added in 1984, makes it unlawful to enter the grounds of any park or playground controlled by the Park and Recreation Department between sunset and sunrise. The only ways to be there legally during those hours are to attend a duly authorized public event, or to have the express approval of the Park and Recreation Commission, the Municipal Council, or the Director of the Park and Recreation Department, or a designee acting under authority from the Commission or Council.

The section specifically reaches vehicle-based trespass too: it covers entry by bicycle or motor vehicle, including a skimobile, minibike or trail bike, not just entry on foot. Subsection C carves out one geographic exception: the curfew does not apply to pedestrians or operators of nonmotorized bicycles using Taunton Green and Church Green, the City's two downtown greens, which stay open around the clock for foot and bike traffic. Anyone caught on other City park or playground grounds after sunset is deemed a trespasser and is subject to punishment under § 1-5 of the Revised Ordinances, the City's general penalty provision. the rest of the year, showing the City treats park and school trespass as parallel but separately timed problems.