Wayne, NJ Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 129-20 is the Wayne Township Code's park regulation. Paragraph C(1) leaves the clock to the Department of Parks and Recreation: parks are open to the public every day of the year, except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, during designated hours, and the opening and closing hours for each individual park are posted in that park and set by the Department from time to time. That means the hours on the sign at the entrance are the legal hours for that park. Two other paragraphs turn on the same after-dark window.

Paragraph A(9) makes it unlawful to leave a vehicle standing or parked at night in established parking areas or elsewhere in the park, and bars parking any motor vehicle in the park areas from 1/2 hour after sunset until sunrise, except as otherwise permitted. Paragraph B(5) prohibits entering an area posted as "Closed to the Public" or using any area in violation of posted notices. Paragraph A(22) adds that nobody can leave in a park after closing hours a movable structure or special vehicle that could be used for overnight camping, such as a house trailer, camp trailer or camp wagon, except in areas designated by the Department with a permit.

Evening events need a special event permit: the application states the day and hours wanted, the Department must tell a refused applicant its reasons in writing within 5 days, and an appeal to the Business Administrator must be filed within 5 days of the refusal, whose decision is final. Enforcement belongs to the Department and park attendants, who can eject any person violating the article, and to the Wayne Police Department. Separately, § 129-20.1 prohibits smoking at all times in Township parks and recreation facilities, including adjacent parking areas.