Parking Lots

I always knew there was an undercurrent of politics when it came to parking, but until I had to manage those politics I was pretty far removed from it. I’m still learning how to navigate this in my newer role and I’ve had to put my own agenda and thoughts on parking aside. It seems to be a constant battle to get everyone on the same page regarding how parking is run efficiently and for the good of everyone. Why is parking such an afterthought when that is the very first interaction or introduction to a space, place or event? Why do people believe that they shouldn’t have to pay for parking when there is a cost to have parking available, safe and accessible? Why do some feel that their event is more important than the student trying to get to class on time when we exist as an institution to educate students? Education is key when it has come to parking, but with a new class of students every year and turnover in leadership among our staff and student representatives this has proved to be a challenge to reach everyone and maintain consistency. I once was in a training, and someone mentioned that we, as parking professionals, are the biggest advocates for others. I’ve never found this to be more true since I stepped into my current role. Whether it’s the person that doesn’t qualify for accessibility accommodations according to their doctor but is not capable of using stairs or maneuvering inclines or bumping students to the perimeter of campus to accommodate construction. I will continue to advocate, share my knowledge about parking and hope that I am heard, but man some days are harder than others when it comes to navigating the politics of parking. Meredith Garrett, CAPP, is the Assistant Director of Public Safety, Parking & Transit Services for Kent State University. Meredith can be reached at mgarre12@kent.edu.

Like so many others in the industry, my parking career began as a backup option. Having worked as a part-time supervisor while an undergraduate with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, followed by a stint with Raleigh NC Parks & Recreation after graduating with a degree in geography, I felt ready to take on any Park Management or Planner position in the southeast or mid-Atlantic. But the opportunity didn’t surface, and the monthly student loan payment couldn’t pay itself, so I took a parking facility management position with a private operator. That holiday season as a newly employed manager in the workforce I recall connecting with a college friend at a holiday party and seeing the confusion on his face when I mentioned the original goal of working in Parks & Rec yet embracing the opportunity in Parking. His response? “One is fun, one is not. So how long do you plan to stick around?” Down the road a few years later in a different parking role and city, I reflected on my work experience while also envisioning career growth and whether the Parks & Rec field remained a goal. I had a conversation with my previous supervisor in this role and she provided memorable input, to this effect of “parking may not be glamorous however there’s room for advancement and opportunities to be creative in this industry, and if you put in the time and dedication you will carve a serious niche”. Then I reflected on the parallels with Parks & serving the public and maintaining customer satisfaction, keeping facilities pristine, managing spaces, and partnering with other departments/organizations, among others. Do I regret my decision to remain in parking? Most days, no. I’ll also take dealing with periodic frustrated parkers over the daily animated skateboarding and dog park patrons any day of the week! Zach Pearce, PTMP, is an Associate Director of Operations for Old Dominion University. Zach can be reached at zpearce@odu.edu.

Event management has been a struggle to keep everyone on the same page since I stepped into my role in 2024. We would receive multiple requests for event parking each day through a variety of different avenues. Phone calls and emails to different people within the department, never any consistency. Sometimes multiple phone calls AND emails for the same event! The ability to be able to charge for special event parking and offering a variety of options (hangtags, dashboard permits, do not enforce a lot) was also a hurdle I was up against. I needed a solution and fast, because I was spending an exorbitant amount of time on phone calls and emails just for events. I was ready to start exploring vendor options, but I knew I would really have to make a strong case in order to implement an event management system. That’s when I started exploring the possibility of working with our university events and conference services. They already had a system in place to receive requests and then bill. They were able to easily add parking as an option for any event request. Parking event requests went live in July 2025 through our events and conference services. I now receive all parking requests in one system where I can approve or deny the request. Revenue that was once not captured for event parking is now efficiently charged along with whatever other expenses the customer incurs for their event. Bonus, the university is capturing all events for the university calendar because of the demand for parking when previously only large events were scheduled. Meredith Garrett, CAPP, is the Assistant Director of Public Safety, Parking & Transit Services for Kent State University. Meredith can be reached at mgarre12@kent.edu.

Most travelers may know that flying out of their local airport helps create demand for airlines, which can lead to more routes and destinations. Many also understand that purchasing food, drinks, or gifts at the airport supports local jobs and drives demand for more concession options. What some may not realize, however, is the significant role that onsite airport parking plays in helping an airport grow—both financially and operationally. Non-Aeronautical Revenue For most airports, parking is the largest single source of non-aeronautical revenue, often accounting for 20–40% of that total. This revenue is critical—it helps fund new runways and taxiways, terminal upgrades, facility maintenance, and infrastructure improvements. It also reduces reliance on airline fees, making the airport more attractive to carriers and encouraging more flight options for travelers. Competitive Advantage and Passenger Convenience Convenient, well-managed parking attracts more travelers and encourages repeat visits. It builds brand loyalty and keeps passengers parking onsite rather than offsite or choosing alternative transportation. Since parking is often a traveler’s first and last interaction with the airport, a smooth experience enhances overall satisfaction and strengthens the airport’s reputation. In turn, this supports higher passenger traffic, attracts new airline routes, and drives spending in retail and dining areas. Encouraging Off-Peak Travel Accessible onsite parking also supports off-peak travel. When travelers know they can park easily for early morning or late-night flights, they’re more likely to book those times. This helps airlines optimize schedules, reduces congestion, and spreads airport activity more evenly throughout the day. More Than Just a Parking Spot Choosing to park onsite isn’t only about convenience—it’s an investment in your airport’s future. Onsite parking provides easy access to terminals, added security, and a smoother overall travel experience. At the same time, the revenue it generates helps fund improvements that benefit every passenger. So next time you fly, consider parking onsite—not just for your own peace of mind, but to help support your airport’s continued growth, efficiency, and service to the community. Vincent Campagna, PTMP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vincent can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.

Attractive and attentive parking and transportation management techniques will display public safety initiatives best servicing our communities by providing dependable access in well maintained facilities. Safe parking destinations demonstrate consistent cleaning and equipment upkeep, lighting functionality, clear wayfinding signage and pedestrian paths, and surveillance. As it relates to transportation, safe bus stops are defined by strong visibility, clear sidewalks, positioning out of direct vehicular traffic, and signage providing the user real time tracking. Depending on location, many of us in the industry experience periodic or routine disruptive weather events, and lack of preparation can cause for costly and potential disastrous situations. We find ourselves frequently adjusting lot restrictions and transportation programming at Old Dominion University, a University in the coastal city of Norfolk, Virginia, facing severe sea level rise and constant tidal flooding.  This past August with the effects of Hurricane Erin and flooding, the department closed a popular residential lot and large portions of a prime commuter lot and dedicated specific garages on campus for University community use during the impact. Communication through social media in tandem with departmental updates assisted with providing this information in a relatively short time frame, as well as any updates to transit routes and timing. I’ve found since last Spring through involvement with the neighborhood civic league within a portion of our University blueprint increases relations with the surrounding business and residential community. Highland Park is a diverse neighborhood described as residential, commercial, industrial, and educational, with the part of campus containing our Arts District, a 9,500 multipurpose event venue, and active restaurants. In these meetings with collaboration from Old Dominion University Police, I’ve been able to share updates around University facilities, upcoming events with increased traffic through the neighborhood, changes to programming with permitting and enforcement, field questions, and work towards solutions. This is an invaluable experience aimed to better our community and provide transparency between the University and neighborhood. Zach Pearce, PTMP, is an Associate Director of Operations for Old Dominion University. Zach can be reached at zpearce@odu.edu.

Parking lot safety is at the top of many parking professional’s priority list—and for good reason. However, addressing safety concerns can often be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. As parking professionals, we're expected to find smart, effective solutions that improve safety, enhance customer satisfaction, and—ideally—increase revenue. And if we’re being honest, we’re often asked to do it on a tight budget... and with a deadline of “tomorrow.” With that reality in mind, here are some low-cost or no-cost ideas to help you improve the safety of your parking facility—without breaking the bank. No-Cost Conduct a Safety Walkthrough Schedule monthly or quarterly walkthroughs of the parking facility. Bring colleagues—more eyes mean more issues caught. Use a simple checklist to document issues such as: Burnt-out or misaligned lights Potholes or cracked pavement Leaking pipes, spalling concrete, or drainage problems Faded line striping or signage Obstructions or tripping hazards Take photos and record observations, then present findings—along with recommendations and estimated costs—to building ownership as a value-added service. Maximize Existing Conditions Conduct a nighttime lighting review to check for dark spots; re-aim fixtures if needed. Clean light fixture lenses to improve brightness—dust, cobwebs, and grime reduce output. Remove and put away any cones, barricades, or objects that may cause tripping or confusion. If entrance mats or carpet runners are used, ensure your team regularly checks for bunching or curling, which can be hazardous. Trim overgrown bushes or landscaping that obstruct visibility or create blind spots. Implement Staff Training Develop and maintain site and job-specific safety training for all staff. Train team members to: Identify and report potential hazards immediately Monitor for loitering and suspicious activity Understand site-specific emergency protocols Reinforce safety as part of daily operations—not just during incidents. Strengthen Communication with Building Security & Ownership Establish clear protocols with building security or management for incident reporting and hazard response. Coordinate with tenants to share seasonal or situational “Safety Tips” (e.g., winter driving, walking safely at night). Keep tenants and staff informed about any changes in traffic flow or parking closures to avoid confusion and reduce risk. Low-Cost Re-stripe and Re-mark the Facility Refreshing pavement markings is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve safety, traffic flow and parking compliance. Offer or recommend low-cost restriping services for: Parking stalls Pedestrian crosswalks Stop bars and directional arrows Use high-visibility paint along pedestrian walkways, curbs, and any area where there’s a change in elevation to help reduce trip-and-fall incidents—especially in dimly lit or high-traffic zones. Update or Replace Signage Well-maintained signage is essential for safety and customer guidance: Audit all signage on-site and replace any faded, outdated, or damaged signs. Ensure signs reflect current information, such as: Contact numbers Hours of operation Instructions for getting assistance Add temporary “Caution: Slippery Surface” signs at entrances or near stairwells during rain, snow, or cleaning events. Post “This Area Is Under Surveillance” signs at key entry and exit points—even if cameras aren’t installed—as a visual deterrent to crime or misconduct. Improving safety in a parking facility doesn’t always require a large budget—just a proactive approach, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By implementing these low-cost and no-cost strategies, we can significantly enhance the safety, usability, and overall experience for every customer who uses the facility. As a parking professional, we’re not only tasked with managing day-to-day operations, but also to add value through smart, cost-effective solutions that prioritize both safety and service. Vincent Campagna, PTMP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vincent can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.

Accepting payments, both digital and traditional, in ungated parking environments is commonplace in all parking markets. Traditional notions of payment acceptance become more complicated in new, ungated environments due to the still-evolving regulatory and legal environments. Most reputable ungated service firms will indeed indemnify and protect their operators and landlords from many (not all) of these challenges, but that doesn’t mean the landlord doesn’t have affirmative duties in the ecosystem to uphold. The webinar, article, and white paper, “Ungated Environments: Best Practices for Parking Payment Providers,” aim to unpack the still-developing, complex, and detailed expectations that form the foundation of the modern parking environment. Improper signage (content and style), misalignment between digital and traditional payment methods, lack of consistent policies and processes, misleading consumer journeys, and more are just some of the concerns that this webinar/article/whitepaper seeks to educate on. As authors, we are pleased to share our knowledge and experience with the parking, transportation, and mobility community, much of which was gained through extensive observation of trial and error while operating downstream of all parking operators, landlords, payment providers, and other relevant stakeholders conducting business in a parking facility. Click here to read the Parking & Mobility magazine article. Click here to read the white paper. Click here to purchase and watch the webinar. Michael J. Drow, PTMP, is the CEO of PRRS, Inc. He can be reached at mdrow@prrsparking.com. Todd Tucker, PTMP, is the COO for PRRS, Inc. He can be reached at ttucker@prrsparking.com.

Before the pandemic, Economy parking at MKE worked just as travelers expected: guests would pull into the large surface lot, park wherever they liked, and walk to the nearest bus shelter. The complimentary shuttle service, helpful drivers, and quick five-minute ride to the terminal were all appreciated. It was a familiar, efficient system — and as the saying goes, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” The Pandemic Shift Then the pandemic hit, and demand for parking virtually disappeared. The once-busy lots became eerily empty. With so few travelers, guests had plenty of space to park and spread out. Yet shuttles still made their full rounds through the 1,700-space lots, stopping at every shelter — often for just a handful of passengers per hour. It was inefficient and unsustainable. With parking revenue diminishing and increasing competition from off-site providers, the MKE parking team recognized the need to reinvent the guest experience. That’s when MKE’s first “Trunk-to-Terminal Service” was introduced. Launching Trunk-to-Terminal Service To provide a more personalized, high-touch experience, an ambassador was stationed at the lot entrance to greet each arriving guest and offer a warm welcome. The ambassador directed guests to an available parking stall and communicated their location to the shuttle driver in real time. The shuttle then pulled up directly behind the parked vehicle, where the driver assisted with luggage and loaded it onto the shuttle. Guests received a wallet-sized card noting their parking lot and stall number — a thoughtful touch to help locate their car upon return. This service eliminated the need for guests to walk to a shelter and added a layer of convenience and hospitality — all while maintaining shuttle headways and enhancing safety by eliminating slip-and-fall risks during inclement weather A Lasting Success The service was a hit. Guests appreciated the elevated level of customer service and the ease of the experience. Four years later, MKE continues to receive glowing reviews from Economy Lot guests who use the complimentary Trunk-to-Terminal Service and value the friendly, personal interactions with both ambassadors and shuttle drivers Why it Works? Convenience Meets Care What makes Trunk-to-Terminal stand out is its simplicity and attention to detail, achieved with minimal investment. With added signage and locator cards, the experience is especially seamless for families, travelers with mobility challenges, or anyone juggling luggage and kids. There’s no guesswork, no waiting at remote shelters, and no long walks in unpredictable weather. Simply park, hop on, and go. It’s airport parking reimagined—affordable, effortless, and customer-focused. Even Economy parking feels like a first-class experience, transforming the traveler journey from beginning to end. Vincent Campagna, PTMP, is a Manager, Parking & Ground Transportation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Vincent can be reached at vcampagna@mitchellairport.com.

As digital payments surge in ungated parking environments, ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance has become more vital than ever. This white paper outlines key best practices for parking operators and payment providers to prevent consumer confusion and mitigate legal risk.

Parking has long been managed through fixed rules: pay before you stay, don’t exceed the time limit, and expect a citation if you do. But that model rarely reflects how people actually behave. The shift toward behavioral parking is about bridging that gap—creating systems that respond to real usage rather than rigid expectations. At the heart of behavioral parking is one simple idea: charge based on how people actually use the space. Instead of guessing how long they’ll stay or rushing back to feed a meter, drivers park and go about their business. The system tracks their actual behavior—start time, end time, duration—and charges accordingly. This shift solves a long-standing issue: underpayment and non-compliance that doesn’t always come from bad intent, but from confusion, unpredictability, or inflexible systems. Rather than focusing on enforcement and punishment, behavioral models recover revenue by adapting to the parker—not the other way around. In environments like universities, city centers, and hospitality, where stay durations vary widely, this approach offers fairness and financial sustainability. Operators gain more accurate data, fewer disputes, and ultimately, better compliance without increasing friction. Behavioral parking is not just about technology—it’s about trust. When people feel that parking is transparent and reasonable, they're more likely to engage honestly with it. And when systems are built around real-life behavior, everyone benefits….. We’re no longer just managing space. We are managing people…and adjusting to real behavior to reduce violations. Trystan Henry, PECP, is the Vice President of Business Development for ParkEngage. Trystan can be reached at trystan.henry@parkengage.com.

Ball Arena, in partnership with Flash, announced the launch of Denver’s single largest electric vehicle charging installation. The new public EV charging hub at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s home of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoth is up and running with 60 total charging ports now available to fans during games and events. “This EV charging hub and our partnership with Flash exemplifies our commitment to sustainability, enhancing the fan experience, and supporting our community,” said Matt Bell, Senior Vice President of Venue Operations at Ball Arena. “It represents the kinds of community amenities and infrastructure we envision for the area with our redevelopment plan and the sustainable mobility alternatives we need to support the parks, open space, and density the plan calls for.” Located in Ball Arena’s Camry South Lot, the new expansive charging hub represents a significant milestone for expanding Denver’s EV infrastructure. The installation comes as Colorado’s accelerating EV adoption broke records late last year, with 5,200 charging stations currently serving the state’s growing community of EV drivers. “As we re-imagine our existing surface parking lots to create a truly vibrant urban experience, initiatives like this charging hub show how we’re not only transforming individual lots, but also facilitating a connected downtown ecosystem that serves our fans and our broader Denver community,” Bell said. Starting this summer, the charging hub will serve both event attendees and the broader Denver community, with public access available during the 250 events Ball Arena typically hosts throughout the year. Over time, the hub will form part of Ball Arena’s broader development strategy to include enhanced community mobility, access to transit, a local shuttle system, and more and better pedestrian connections. Strategically located at Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway, with convenient access to Interstate 25 and nearby light rail service, the Arena is positioned at the intersection of several major connections through downtown Denver. “Denver is embracing the future of transportation, and Ball Arena is setting the standard for how entertainment venues can support that transition,” said Matt McCaffree, Vice President and General Manager at Flash. “Our partnership delivers a secure, reliable, and seamless charging experience that fans and community members will expect from one of Denver’s premier destinations.” The 60 Level 2 charging port hub is now operational and open for use to EV drivers. About Flash Flash is a pioneering technology company bringing seamless parking and EV charging experiences to drivers through a first-of-its-kind digital ecosystem. Flash’s platform connects reservable parking and charging in the apps drivers use every day with garage, surface lot, event, and valet parking locations – connected and controlled via a cloud-based operating system with unrivaled intelligence. Customer-obsessed brands partner with Flash to deliver digital, easy-to-use, reliable, and increasingly frictionless experiences to drivers eager to pay for a solution that eliminates wasted time, excess emissions, and stress. The solution has arrived. About Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Denver-based Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is one of the world’s leading ownership, entertainment, and management groups. As owners and operators of Ball Arena, Paramount Theatre, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), and Colorado Rapids (MLS), KSE’s sports and entertainment assets are second to none. Additional properties under the KSE umbrella include Altitude Sports & Entertainment, a 24-hour regional television network, and Altitude Authentics, the company’s official retail provider.

Shared parking is a key strategy in urban planning and development, offering innovative solutions to challenges like traffic congestion and inefficient land use. By maximizing the utilization of existing parking spaces, shared parking supports sustainability and improves the quality of urban life. Shared parking utilizes the same space for different parkers maximizing turnover and utilization of one space within 24 hours, minimizing unnecessary urban sprawl. Shared parking minimizes the need for expansive parking structures, freeing up valuable land that can be repurposed for green spaces, housing, or businesses. This promotes more sustainable, efficient land use. By maximizing turnover or utilization of existing parking spaces, shared parking reduces the need for new parking facilities, reducing the time drivers spend searching for parking. This will alleviate traffic, reduce emissions, improve air quality, providing a more sustainable and healthier environment. The parking consultant who specializes in calculating custom shared parking can reduce parking counts by 35% in some cases, encouraging Park Once and multimodal systems, resulting in fewer parking spaces, thus fostering creativity and flexibility for public spaces and urban design. Lia Reyes is a Managing Director and Sr. Principal Consultant for LVR International. Lia can be reached at lia@lvrintl.com.