Earlier closing time approved for City parks

Earlier closing time approved for City parks

Published on October 30, 2024

The Park & Recreation Department will implement earlier closing times for City parks effective Jan. 1, 2025.

City Council on Tuesday approved changes to Chapter 24 of the City Code, revising the hours during which all parks are open to the public to 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Currently, 117 parks have the 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., or dusk to dawn, hours, which are established under exception within the current ordinance. Other parks currently close at 11:30 p.m. The approved ordinance retains the exception alternative.

The revised schedule will provide consistency to the remaining parks, including those connecting to the Trinity River Trail system, which operates 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. under the jurisdiction of the Tarrant Regional Water District.

This amendment will not affect permitted rentals, sporting amended closing time vents or special events.

The Fort Worth Police Department supports the systemwide closing time of 10 p.m. In September, the Park & Recreation Advisory Board endorsed the new closing time.

Parks staff has historically received numerous calls from residents and neighborhood associations about the current 11:30 p.m. closing time, primarily for neighborhood parks. Neighborhoods generally prefer an earlier closing hour, and exceptions have been made when warranted.

Photo:Across the system, City parks will close at 10 p.m. beginning next year.

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• City Council