Wicomico County, MD Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Chapter 179, Parks, Recreational Facilities and Areas, was rewritten in its entirety by Bill No. 2024-03, adopted July 2, 2024, replacing the prior 1993 chapter. A sets the baseline hours: no unauthorized person or vehicle may enter or remain on any county park or portion of one from sunset to sunrise. Beyond that nightly closure, the Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism may close any park or portion of one to public entry during construction or maintenance, when road conditions, park operations or fire hazards make it necessary, or to protect park property, the environment, or public health, safety and welfare; closed areas must be posted against entry.

The section carves out two exceptions. or until the scheduled activity ends, whichever comes first. County harbor facilities may also remain accessible after normal park hours to approved slip renters solely to reach their vessels, or to the general public solely to reach public waterways through county-owned boat ramps, though any other after-hours purpose needs advance Department approval. Enforcement of the curfew, like all of Chapter 179's park rules, runs through § 179-13, which makes any violation of the chapter or any rule, regulation, directive, restriction or permit issued under it a civil infraction.

Citations may be issued under § 179-14 by the Sheriff, any Deputy Sheriff, a Governor-commissioned special police officer, or anyone the County Council designates by resolution.