The Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department will implement earlier closing times for all City parks beginning January 1, 2025. The City Council approved changes to Chapter 24 of the City Code on Tuesday, establishing new operating hours for public parks from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Currently, 117 parks operate under the 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. or dusk-to-dawn hours, which are set by exception in the existing ordinance, while other parks close at 11:30 p.m. The revised ordinance maintains the exception for certain parks, providing consistency across those connecting to the Trinity River Trail system, which also adheres to the 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. schedule established by the Tarrant Regional Water District.
The amendment will not impact permitted rentals, sporting events, or special events held in the parks. The Fort Worth Police Department has expressed support for the uniform closing time of 10 p.m. Additionally, the Park & Recreation Advisory Board endorsed the new closing hours in September.
Historically, park staff have received numerous complaints from residents and neighborhood associations regarding the late 11:30 p.m. closing time, particularly for neighborhood parks. Many neighborhoods have expressed a preference for earlier closing times, leading to the changes approved by the City Council.
