The Journey: Can We Have a Different Kind of Discussion About Parking?
Going through photos from my trip to Texas, I have so much more to talk about. Let’s start with this sign – one of several uniform parking signs I discovered in Deep Elum:
It’s a sharp looking sign – far nicer than what we see used in Bricktown, though it’s also an obvious way to bombard visitors with more display advertising.
Comparing the signs, they both have their pros and cons. The Deep Elum is sharper looking, though it really delivers less information than the Bricktown sign. The Bricktown sign, meanwhile, adds nothing to the look or vibe of the area and some might consider sign clutter.
But can we learn from other downtowns in terms of parking signage? In 2008 the following real time parking information signs were installed throughout downtown San Jose , California.
What a great idea. A sign that not only directs you to available parking but also gives you some comfort spaces might be available when you arrive.
Which leads me to wonder: what would happen to the appearance of downtowns’ streets if the kind of sophisticated design of the Deep Elum signs were combined with the usefulness of the San Jose signs?
And here’s yet another thought to ponder: I’ve read articles about downtowns across the country going from one-hour to two-hour parking. With the new “boot” enforcement now approved by the city council, what would be the harm of giving a bit back to visitors by letting them have that extra hour? In many ways we’re still operating under rules and practices dating back to the 1950s. Could something be gained by advancing ahead a few decades?
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Comments
Steve:
These are great ideas that Bricktown is currently considering. The Parking study that was done in Bricktown made these suggestions and we are currently working with City Planning to figure out the best way to do them without it “cluttering up” Bricktown.
There are a lot of ideas that are being used in other entertainment districts that Bricktown will be able to benefit from over the next year. Keep passing them on!
I think it is definitely time for more sophisticated parking signage, and really like all of your ideas. It would be great to see more attractive signs, as well as be able to see which lots are full and which aren’t. In addition, two hour parking should be a must. It’s difficult to do anything in an hour, and the parking “police” are almost predatory. It’s very offputting for visitors to both downtown and Bricktown.
Is finding a lot (or structure) with empty spaces really that much of a problem that it would require that sort of real-time signage? Im not sure Ive ever had to look at more than 2 places to find parking…..and the times Ive had to go to a 2nd option I could count on one hand.
I don’t ever have problems finding parking…maybe because I don’t mind walking the long 4 blocks at most from the outskirts of Bricktown.
I’m boycottong those unattractive surface parking lots. Would much rather have an actual business on that precious land.
This reminds me of a fellow blogger’s push for more honest Downtown Tulsa signage:
http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/honest-downtown-tulsa-signs/
And Olympic version:
http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/olympics/