Tuscaloosa, AL Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Tuscaloosa's park hours are governed by Chapter 18 (Parks and Recreation). Section 18-23(a) provides that, except for emergencies, parks are open to the public every day of the year during designated hours, that the opening and closing hours for each individual park are posted at the park, and that it is unlawful for any person to use the park at a time contrary to the posted hours. Section 18-23(b) lets the parks director declare any section of a park closed at any time, temporarily or on a regular schedule, and makes it unlawful to use an area posted as closed. Section 18-23(d) requires a permit for activities seeking exclusive use of a park facility or for groups of more than 30 people. For the city's lake parks, Sec. 18-45 sets specific rules: the gates on roads approaching Lake Nicol and Harris Lake open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset; trespassing after 8:00 p.m. is prohibited without written permission; and no overnight camping is allowed. Because individual park hours are posted on-site rather than fixed citywide in the code, the closing time can vary by park, so visitors should check the posted sign at each park. Note that a separate juvenile curfew (Sec. 17-20) can also keep minors out of public places, including parks, during late-night hours.