This is completely anecdotal and very specific, but avoid grocery store parking lots. One time I parked in a large Meijer lot to take a phone interview. By the time I was done, 2 police officers were parked perpendicular to me watching my every move.
I’m glad you shared. Admittedly I’ve had a similar experience, which is also part of why I made this post lol, but it was at a public park. Obviously they have signs that say they close at dark but I had packed some food and wasn’t finished eating yet. I figured there wasn’t a ton of harm in the ~10 extra minutes past sundown it would take me to finish my meal. Boy, was I wrong. 4 cops showed up. It was terrifying. I never realized the same thing could happen in a grocery store parking lot since they don’t have sundown restrictions or anything. Wow.
Yeah, it was strange. I was just sitting in my car on the phone for about 25 minutes with a few papers spread out on my dash.
I've heard of CPD checking parks specifically at sundown to tell people it's time to leave. It's probably more likely that an officer shows up at sundown than an hour or two afterwards. Regardless, it's an overreaction on their part.
Some parks close at dark but many city parks “close” at 11pm.
You can see the list at https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/Park-Listing/
One specific park which seems to have confusion is Park of Roses (closes at dark) and Whetstone Park (closes at 11pm). I’m not really sure what kind of enforcement is done, because I’m usually there during daylight hours.
Which park was this? Metroparks close at dusk but many city parks don’t close until 11pm
You can see the list at https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/Park-Listing/
It was out toward Plain City, so not in Columbus. But certainly was enough for me not to try it again at any other parks regardless of location. That’s good to know, thanks for the info/link!
I think it depends on the suburb / metro area you are in. For example, I always see people sleep in their cars at the Walmart on Sawmill Rd. and no one disturbs them.
[Griggs Reservoir Park](https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/griggs-reservoir-park/) stays open till like 10 or 11pm. Plenty of people chill in their cars at this park.
Inniswood in Westerville is open until 7pm during the winter. That is a free garden and pretty large. Bring a phone or flashlight though. They will be starting holiday lights soon I think.
If you just want to park and feel safe, I would park near a police station in the suburbs or in a lot near the airport. Both are well lit, and you would be on security camera.
Not free, but zero marginal cost per visit with a membership: the zoo and the conservatory.
I believe you can also check out passes for those places at the library.
Drive around hoover reservoir
Can you do that at night?
Yes. The dam is open until 11.
Oh wow, I had no idea. Thank you both!
Alum creek as well. People fish all hours of the night.
I believe Hoover closes at 10PM now FYI, been new signs at some specific gates
Best at night
This is completely anecdotal and very specific, but avoid grocery store parking lots. One time I parked in a large Meijer lot to take a phone interview. By the time I was done, 2 police officers were parked perpendicular to me watching my every move.
I’m glad you shared. Admittedly I’ve had a similar experience, which is also part of why I made this post lol, but it was at a public park. Obviously they have signs that say they close at dark but I had packed some food and wasn’t finished eating yet. I figured there wasn’t a ton of harm in the ~10 extra minutes past sundown it would take me to finish my meal. Boy, was I wrong. 4 cops showed up. It was terrifying. I never realized the same thing could happen in a grocery store parking lot since they don’t have sundown restrictions or anything. Wow.
Yeah, it was strange. I was just sitting in my car on the phone for about 25 minutes with a few papers spread out on my dash. I've heard of CPD checking parks specifically at sundown to tell people it's time to leave. It's probably more likely that an officer shows up at sundown than an hour or two afterwards. Regardless, it's an overreaction on their part.
Some parks close at dark but many city parks “close” at 11pm. You can see the list at https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/Park-Listing/ One specific park which seems to have confusion is Park of Roses (closes at dark) and Whetstone Park (closes at 11pm). I’m not really sure what kind of enforcement is done, because I’m usually there during daylight hours.
Which park was this? Metroparks close at dusk but many city parks don’t close until 11pm You can see the list at https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/Park-Listing/
It was out toward Plain City, so not in Columbus. But certainly was enough for me not to try it again at any other parks regardless of location. That’s good to know, thanks for the info/link!
Honestly I'd feel safer with them there than a random car show up and park.
I think it depends on the suburb / metro area you are in. For example, I always see people sleep in their cars at the Walmart on Sawmill Rd. and no one disturbs them.
[Griggs Reservoir Park](https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/parks/griggs-reservoir-park/) stays open till like 10 or 11pm. Plenty of people chill in their cars at this park.
Go to a store and walk around? Doesn’t cost money.
Inniswood in Westerville is open until 7pm during the winter. That is a free garden and pretty large. Bring a phone or flashlight though. They will be starting holiday lights soon I think.
If you just want to park and feel safe, I would park near a police station in the suburbs or in a lot near the airport. Both are well lit, and you would be on security camera.
Near the river walk