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Friday, July 28, 2023 at 4:25 p.m.
In an effort to keep our City parks safe and free of property damage in the overnight hours, SPD will begin enforcing the city ordinance passed last month beginning Sunday, July 30, 2023. The ordinance makes it a misdemeanor for people to be in a City park between the hours of 11 pm – 5 am (except for Riverfront Park which closes at midnight). Initially, police will focus on education and warnings with the discretion to arrest and cite individuals. Those who refuse to leave a park after hours will be subject to arrest/citation. The law applies to all Park property, including parking lots, and green spaces along rivers and trails; additional signs are being posted on some less-easily identified Park spaces.
In previous years, a violation of after-hours park use was a civil infraction, which in many cases did not act as a deterrent to trespassing. The ordinance reverts the current law back to a misdemeanor, giving police officers a tool to detain people in the parks who may be committing crimes.
Spokane Police partner with Park Rangers to keep our valued park spaces safe and functional for the enjoyment of everyone. Park Rangers can be the first responders for service calls on Park property, and provide helpful information to Police. Park Rangers can trespass visitors for violating Park Rules, and provide general security. Parks are currently closed from 10 pm – 6 am (except Riverfront, midnight). Again, enforcement of the new ordinance begins Sunday during the hours of 11 pm – 5 am (except Riverfront Park, with enforcement hours between midnight and 5 am).
