Improving the downtown parking experience

Galena, Illinois, is seen as a successful downtown district, even though parking can be limited. A vibrant district is a draw, and ample parking alone does not attract visitors. Thoughtful signage and management, rather than the development of parking lots, is often a more effective approach to revitalization.

Based on how often parking is mentioned as a top challenge in community surveys, you’d think that visitors to downtowns spend hours circling, looking for spaces. While some select districts have legitimate parking shortages, most issues stem from problems with parking awareness and/or management. Parking is often the first experience a downtown visitor has, and whether this experience is positive or negative may color their overall perception of the district. Making the district as easy to navigate as possible with adequate wayfinding, visible signage, and marked lots helps make a positive first impression. For day-to-day audiences or those with more specific challenges, pricing and management strategies can ensure a parking system that operates efficiently and can accommodate all types of downtown users, supporting a thriving downtown economy—both day and night.

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