Community College Journal - April/May 2011

Evaluating parking
needs, developing
a strategy, and
implementing a
sound plan can
enhance students’
college experience.

requirements. Communications campaigns that use social-networking sites and text messaging to relay real-time parking information are becoming more commonplace. Mobile messaging, LCD screens, e-mail alerts and traditional wayfinding are also effective. By managing people’s expectations and arming them with knowledge about the parking system, experts say administrators can lessen frustration and promote cooperation.

Tap New Technologies. Parking technologies are advancing rapidly, with several offering new efficiencies, better revenue control, energy savings, and improved customer service. Radio frequency identification tags or keycards used for entrance to parking facilities, smart cards and other e-payment devices, high-speed doors, and self-service payment improve service and operational efficiencies. Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED or fluorescent lights, can lower operating costs and provide tax credits. Fluorescent lighting consumes 30 percent to 85 percent less energy than incandescent and high-intensity discharge lighting at equal or greater light levels.

Consider Working With a Parking Professional. Parking professionals can consult with colleges on traffic patterns as well as structure design for exits, entries, circulation patterns, and parking capacity. These experts sometimes provide advice on facility lighting, energy efficiencies, parking rates, new technologies, and regulations, and often are able to assist in developing RFPs and contracts with private operators. Negotiating with community groups and working to solve parking issues that affect the community are other services parking professionals sometimes provide. New multistory parking structure at Grossmont College in California

A Smart Investment

Experts say evaluating parking needs, developing a strategy, and implementing a sound plan can enhance students’ college experience while boosting a community college’s revenue and reducing expenses.

“We’ve watched with great interest as community colleges have increasingly reached out in search of professional, competent, unbiased, and cutting-edge solutions to their growing parking issues,” says Shawn Conrad, executive director of the International Parking Institute, an independent trade association representing parking professionals. “College administrators are relieved that there are resources available to educate their staffs about current parking trends and provide information on an array of solutions.”

BRIDGET GORMAN WENDLING is a freelance writer based in Alexandria, Va., who frequently writes about parking and transportation issues.

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