2023-08-17 16:15:53 -0400
To: Eli Capilouto
UK NEEDS PARKING AVAILABILITY
The University of Kentucky needs to enhance parking availability for ALL students, on campus. This necessitates a multi-faceted approach that takes into account campus infrastructure, sustainable transportation options, and equitable distribution. Firstly, UK needs to invest in expanding parking facilities through well-planned construction projects, accommodating the growing student population, as UK still proceeds to accept larger incoming classes of Freshman students to accommodate for previous low enrollment due to COVID-19. Additionally, implementing a tiered parking permit system, that also offers an overnight parking option, based on students' needs and schedules could optimize space utilization. A balanced and thoughtful combination of infrastructure expansion, sustainable options, and innovative transportation partnerships can effectively address the challenge of providing ample parking for students. Overnight parking and campus in Lexington is a necessity WITHOUT the risk of a students' car being towed AND/OR ticketed.
Why is this important?
Allowing students to park on campus offers a myriad of benefits that enhance their overall college experience. First and foremost, convenient parking facilities alleviate the stress and time constraints that commuting students often face, or even UK's classified 'residential students' due to how large our campus is. By providing ample parking spaces, educational institutions create a more accessible and inclusive environment, enabling students to attend classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and engage with campus resources without the hassle of off-campus parking. Moreover, on-campus parking fosters a stronger sense of belonging and community, as students can easily connect with peers and engage in impromptu discussions or collaborative projects. It also contributes to campus safety, as students don't need to walk long distances in potentially unsafe areas or during unfavorable weather conditions. Allowing students to park on campus ultimately promotes student well-being, academic success, and campus vibrancy by facilitating seamless navigation and engagement within the university environment. Further, not all apartments, houses, townhouses, etc. around Lexington offer parking for their residents, let alone visitor parking. Lex park is no longer available around UK South campus, only closer to downtown. If students need to work, drive to class, go to the store, and other basic living necessities, where are they able to park their cars overnight without being towed, or ticketed by UK?
Furthermore, what about our out-of-state student population that makes the commitment of high tuition but has no parking accommodation? What about our working students that need vehicle accessibility to pay towards their tuition and/or rent? How do these students efficiently commute to their place of work in order to sustain income for their education and living? Why are these students forced to struggle as UK transportation refuses to accommodate with any type of local parking availability on campus? Why is student parking not prioritized? Why are the STUDENTS that need to park NOT prioritized?