Mid City Times

The Park & Recreation Department has announced a change in the closing times for City parks, effective January 1, 2025. The new schedule was approved by the City Council and involves amendments to Chapter 24 of the City Code. Under this revised ordinance, all parks will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., aligning with hours already in place for some parks.

Currently, there are 117 parks that operate under either the 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. or dusk-to-dawn schedule due to an exception within the existing ordinance. Other parks have been closing at 11:30 p.m., but these will now adhere to the new uniform closing time.

The decision aims to provide consistency across all city parks, including those linked to the Trinity River Trail system, which is managed by the Tarrant Regional Water District and follows a similar schedule.

The changes will not impact permitted rentals, sporting events with modified closing times, or special events.

Residents and neighborhood associations have frequently contacted park staff regarding the current late closing time of 11:30 p.m., especially concerning neighborhood parks. Many neighborhoods favor earlier closures, leading to exceptions being granted when necessary.

City officials believe this change will address community preferences while maintaining operational efficiency across all park facilities.

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