I have a parking pass for every home Thunder game in the Santa Fe Garage. Unless there is inclement weather, I park just west of the MBG. I get home 10 minutes faster that way, and it's a shorter and much nicer walk cutting through the park.

I do the same thing for Thunder games. I have Santa Fe parking but its faster to park on the street by La-Luna or just south of there or closer to film row. I get home much quicker.

I disagree Teo. People need to not just know it's okay, but that it is expected of them to participate in the street life.

If you want to go downtown, be prepared for the fact that you will walk 5-10 blocks. Of you score a closer spot. Win. But don't go with the expectation.

I usually park in the same area (Film Row area) and usually can walk to Bricktown faster than someone circling a parking lot in Lower Bricktown for 10 minutes. Plus I get to see a lot of cool things and pretty people on the walk over.

That doesn't mean we can totally disregard the need for parking though. Someday in the foreseeable future, there will be many weeknights where every area of downtown is going to see plenty of activity and every single weekend is going to be packed such that, you won't be able to park anywhere downtown to be able to get to events/attractions downtown.

The closest thing OKC has had to a large entertainment district in the last 20 years is Memorial road… nearly all of downtown is going to become that for OKC in the next 10 years, and we have to be aware that demand is going to reach a point where Downtown is significantly busier at 10PM than it will be at 10AM. Now maybe there's a chance that the garages in the CBD, which I don't think will ever be busy past 6PM will be able to shoulder that load such that if you want to go to Fassler Hall you'll have to park in the garage near the court house and do the rest of the journey via foot.

I actually agree with you, I was being facetious in saying I disagreed.

I wonder if we can get funding for "Your Streetlife Responsibilties" signs to post on every block via MAPS4 funds :-)

I'd vote for it!

I was frankly surprised to see the 10th street garage get such approval. It's not progressive and will just need to be torn down later. Spend our money on subsidizing below ground.

But in that case, it was specifically constructed to service three historic buildings (Buick, Pontiac and Marion) where parking couldn't be incorporated.

In fact, it is physically connected to the Buick Building.

Right, there should have been more thought given to the street level instead of just leaving it all parking.

It will be very interesting to see if the Main Street Garage will be able to fill their street-level storefronts. I suspect it will be office use at the outset.

Agree with you Sid but that doesn't always solve the issue. Look at Devon, they built their own parking and it wasn't enough, having to build more. Same issue with the building I live in. There aren't enough spots for how many people have cars, so there's a waiting list. If you don't already have a spot you've got to find your own elsewhere downtown... which is expensive I can attest!

Thanks for the clarification. I like it.

Embark will be assessing the parking situation in DTOKC.


OKLAHOMA CITY – EMBARK is asking the public for input on future parking needs for downtown Oklahoma City.

Officials say EMBARK wants to hear from Oklahoma City residents on parking needs for the city’s urban core, including the City Center, Automobile Alley, Arts District, Deep Deuce, Bricktown and Midtown districts.

Since March, a firm, Kimley-Horn, and EMBARK, have been working together to develop a plan for parking in the downtown area.

A series of open houses will take place Tuesday and Wednesday at the following places and times:

Bricktown and Deep Deuce

Wednesday, Sept. 4
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
420 W Main St., Basement Personnel Conference Room
City Center and Arts District

Wednesday, Sept. 4
2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
420 W Main St., Basement Personnel Conference Room
Automobile Alley

Thursday, Sept. 5
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
431 W Main St., Suite B, EMBARK Large Conference Room
Midtown

Thursday, Sept. 5
2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
431 W Main St., Suite B, EMBARK Large Conference Room
Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the current state of parking and offer input on future needs.

- https://kfor.com/2019/09/04/embark-asking-for-feedback-on-downtown-oklahoma-city-parking-needs/

The city commissioned research consultants Kimley-Horn to perform a downtown parking study:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120d.jpg


PRIMARY RECOMMENDATIONS:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120h.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120i.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parking021120j.jpg

^

This does not include the following projects under construction or planned:

1. Convention Center garage (1,100 spaces)
2. First Nation Center (700 spaces)
3. Large surface lot to the south of the new convention center
4. Karmer Garage (Main Street just east of the tracks) - hundreds of spaces

So will we be losing the free evening and weekend parking? I got to say I would rather pay the city for parking than private entities... If I have to pay for parking that is. But I really think we need to have other options of getting downtown before they implement any more paid parking. Currently my only option is to drive and park downtown if I want to go, I don't have a bus or train from Yukon.

I noticed they have made the parking on the west side of Scissortail Park pay-to-park.

I can’t believe the city actually paid a company to come to the conclusion that there is way to many parking spaces in the core. I could have told them that for free :p

I always street park for Thunder Games usually by the Gardens and around 5. I'll go out to eat before hand. Back in the day when you had to put a sticker on your car. 90% of the people parked on the street had no stickers. Even now I'll get there about 5:30 and to be safe I'll sit in my car a bit to see if anyone comes around and nope. Everyone that parking isn't paying and with how full those spots are around 5 I know people have to be getting there early. Also even though it has gotten better parking in the front of the Fire Hydrant happen almost every game. This year however I have only seen it twice.

So will we be losing the free evening and weekend parking? I got to say I would rather pay the city for parking than private entities... If I have to pay for parking that is. But I really think we need to have other options of getting downtown before they implement any more paid parking. Currently my only option is to drive and park downtown if I want to go, I don't have a bus or train from Yukon.

It looks like that is only mentioned for Bricktown.

Was there any mention of the new parking meters, those in which you enter your license plate, estimated parking time and payment? I miss the simplicity of the older coin meters, but perhaps these newer meters are cost-effective overall.

I always street park for Thunder Games usually by the Gardens and around 5. I'll go out to eat before hand. Back in the day when you had to put a sticker on your car. 90% of the people parked on the street had no stickers. Even now I'll get there about 5:30 and to be safe I'll sit in my car a bit to see if anyone comes around and nope. Everyone that parking isn't paying and with how full those spots are around 5 I know people have to be getting there early. Also even though it has gotten better parking in the front of the Fire Hydrant happen almost every game. This year however I have only seen it twice.

I have never once seen someone getting a ticket post 5pm. In fact, I am not even sure the meter maid's shifts go to 6pm like the enforcement conclusion states. I feel like making enforcement to 6pm is just an easy money grab for that extra hour.

I guess I am missing something - I don't understand why they are suggesting paid parking be implemented in Midtown and Auto Alley. The free and accessible parking is a large reason I frequent the areas. Not sure how marketing, wayfinding, or vacancy is improved by paid parking.

Speaking of parking

There is a silver Hyundai that parks on Main Street between broadway and Gaylord everyday and gets at least one or more tickets daily and we’ve been watching it at the office for about 6 months or longer occur. She parks and then walks into the Bancfirst Tower. We are baffled at why someone would do this and rack up so many parking tickets.

When there is so much available parking within the same walking distance of parking on the street each day to get a ticket.

I'm always amazed at how many people genuinely think parking tickets don't mean anything.

We are baffled at why someone would do this and rack up so many parking tickets.

Maybe she has a need for attention and this is how she gets it?

There is a silver Hyundai that parks on Main Street between broadway and Gaylord everyday and gets at least one or more tickets daily and we’ve been watching it at the office for about 6 months or longer occur. She parks and then walks into the Bancfirst Tower. We are baffled at why someone would do this and rack up so many parking tickets.

Is it Judge Kendra Coleman? She has a long history of parking & traffic tickets, and according to this, still thinks that rules don't apply to her. https://oklahoman.com/article/5654572/embattled-oklahoma-county-judge-sued-twice-over-debts

So will we be losing the free evening and weekend parking? I got to say I would rather pay the city for parking than private entities... If I have to pay for parking that is. But I really think we need to have other options of getting downtown before they implement any more paid parking. Currently my only option is to drive and park downtown if I want to go, I don't have a bus or train from Yukon.

There is free parking available if you're willing to enjoy a nice walk. I never pay for parking when I come to this area. I usually park over by the Hill and walk to Bricktown, Chesapeake, wherever.

So, this study makes it clear: THERE IS WAAAAAYYYYY TOO MUCH PARKING IN THE CORE. The parking which is built is underutilized. Overbuilding parking also hurts other forms of transportation: walking, biking, streetcar, buses. Of course, I fully expect every business to continue demanding parking garages be built next to their door so no one has to experience the pain of using their legs to walk more than 10 feet.

People in OKC will have to adapt. In the suburbs, you get to park in front of your destination. In urban areas, you park within the vicinity. If you try to make it otherwise, you damage the area, but the benefits are a far more vibrant, communal, and serendipitous experience.

The study makes no mention of the sufficiency of handicap parking spaces in any area. Why are those drivers needs not being addressed? Or is the core only for those without physical limitations? Not everybody is able to bike or enjoy a nice walk. OKC is deficient for those wherever construction is present.

Have not read all comments. But think before we declare too much parking we need to wait until OMNI, Convention Center and Scizzors Park are open to see how that might impact parking spaces.

The study makes no mention of the sufficiency of handicap parking spaces in any area. Why are those drivers needs not being addressed? Or is the core only for those without physical limitations? Not everybody is able to bike or enjoy a nice walk. OKC is deficient for those wherever construction is present.Yet disabled people in NYC, LA, Chicago etc are able to do it somehow.

Yet disabled people in NYC, LA, Chicago etc are able to do it somehow.

Yet we are talking OKC here. The parking study made no mention of those cities in comparison.

Have not read all comments. But think before we declare too much parking we need to wait until OMNI, Convention Center and Scizzors Park are open to see how that might impact parking spaces.

The Omni and Convention Center are bringing 1100 additional parking spaces with them to opening. If anything it’s going to make the glut of downtown parking even worse than it already is.

Hopefully this study shines a light on how unnecessary and ridiculous building a surface parking lot to cram 70 more cars in front of Chesapeake Arena is.

The Omni and Convention Center are bringing 1100 additional parking spaces with them to opening. If anything it’s going to make the glut of downtown parking even worse than it already is.

Hopefully this study shines a light on how unnecessary and ridiculous building a surface parking lot to cram 70 more cars in front of Chesapeake Arena is.

We do not yet know for fact how many spots will be needed. Plus the park. Just workers at OMNI/CC will need parking then guests and plus we have much shopping at OMNI as well.

Lets wait and see.

Just as they do now during the arts festival (people complain about parking even though the arts garage is very close and largely empty at that time), people will continue to gripe about lack of parking around Scissortail, and there might be 500+ spots at the convention garage at the time of their gripe. I guarantee this will happen, as it already does in very similar scenarios.

We do not yet know for fact how many spots will be needed. Plus the park. Just workers at OMNI/CC will need parking then guests and plus we have much shopping at OMNI as well.

Lets wait and see.

We dont know how many spots will be needed, but we dont have to wait and see to know that it wont be anywhere close to the ~24,000 that currently exist downtown unused during peak hours.

Yet we are talking OKC here. The parking study made no mention of those cities in comparison.
I’m just saying there are ways to have ADA compliant cities that are accessible to those with disabilities without needing a parking space 10 feet from every store or destination.

We dont know how many spots will be needed, but we dont have to wait and see to know that it wont be anywhere close to the ~24,000 that currently exist downtown unused during peak hours.

Out of downtowners are not gonna park 2 blocks away to shop at OMNI shops. And elsewhere. Regardless what some want to think thats just reality. That parking you mention is spread out.

Out of downtowners are not gonna park 2 blocks away to shop at OMNI shops. And elsewhere. Regardless what some want to think thats just reality. That parking you mention is spread out.

The streetcar will let you park at any of the lots mentioned and drop you off right at the front entrance. 24,000 open parking spots with almost zero walking . An out of downtowner’s dream come true.

Only in OKC would 24,000 unused parking spaces not be considered enough.

The streetcar will let you park at any of the lots mentioned and drop you off right at the front entrance.

Which brings us back to, the streetcar should be free.

The streetcar will let you park at any of the lots mentioned and drop you off right at the front entrance. 24,000 open parking spots with almost zero walking . An out of downtowner’s dream come true.

Only in OKC would 24,000 unused parking spaces not be considered enough.

It depends where you park. SC is a circular so if the lots are full upstream of event you have to take a long trip around. And inverse is if you happen to get parked upstream then after event you have to ride it almost a full circuit to get back to car. You have to think in terms of out of downtowners. To shop at OMNI shops they are not gonna do this. Park in a lot/garage and pay. Pay SC to ride it full circuit either before or after you shop. The SC is not friendly to people who drive to downtown. People like to park close to where they are going.

Now, if we had a bunch of micro buses running routes all over downtown it would be much easier plus buses can added in peak times plus can adjust route. In my SC scenario you also have to hope it doesn’t get stopped for a spell due to problems ahead.

Which brings us back to, the streetcar should be free.i disagree it should absolutely NOT be free.


The streetcar will let you park at any of the lots mentioned and drop you off right at the front entrance. 24,000 open parking spots with almost zero walking . An out of downtowner’s dream come true.

Only in OKC would 24,000 unused parking spaces not be considered enough.
The streetcar is also incredibly slow

There is free parking available if you're willing to enjoy a nice walk. I never pay for parking when I come to this area. I usually park over by the Hill and walk to Bricktown, Chesapeake, wherever.

Oh I don't mind parking and walking. I am worried about my current free parking area being turned into paid regardless of my walk. My preferred parking option is not in Bricktown and I probably mistook the information about changes to parking meters being only in Bricktown. I like to park on the west side of downtown and then either catch the street car for Bricktown or just walk to our destination.

Just as they do now during the arts festival (people complain about parking even though the arts garage is very close and largely empty at that time), people will continue to gripe about lack of parking around Scissortail, and there might be 500+ spots at the convention garage at the time of their gripe. I guarantee this will happen, as it already does in very similar scenarios.

. . my only complaint about the Arts Garage is when they up the charge at major events to a flat $10.00 regardless of how long you park. . i.e. Arts Festival. $10 even if you only want to pop in for lunch and a short stroll.

i disagree it should absolutely NOT be free.



This is the first of this take I have heard. Can you please go voice this in the SC thread and explain your theory?

Thank you,

I guess I am missing something - I don't understand why they are suggesting paid parking be implemented in Midtown and Auto Alley. The free and accessible parking is a large reason I frequent the areas. Not sure how marketing, wayfinding, or vacancy is improved by paid parking.

I read on the Oklahoman that the presentation to City Council mentioned that many prime, street parking spots in the Auto Alley area are being used by people who stay 6 or more hours at a time. I'm guessing the inference is that employees of those businesses are taking the best, closest spots, and paid parking in those areas should be an incentive for them to park farther away.

It depends where you park. SC is a circular so if the lots are full upstream of event you have to take a long trip around. And inverse is if you happen to get parked upstream then after event you have to ride it almost a full circuit to get back to car. You have to think in terms of out of downtowners. To shop at OMNI shops they are not gonna do this. Park in a lot/garage and pay. Pay SC to ride it full circuit either before or after you shop. The SC is not friendly to people who drive to downtown. People like to park close to where they are going.

Now, if we had a bunch of micro buses running routes all over downtown it would be much easier plus buses can added in peak times plus can adjust route. In my SC scenario you also have to hope it doesn’t get stopped for a spell due to problems ahead.

So are you saying we need more parking downtown? Or are you saying each business needs it’s own parking lot in front?

I’m having a hard time understanding what specific point you’re making.

So are you saying we need more parking downtown? Or are you saying each business needs it’s own parking lot in front?

I’m having a hard time understanding what specific point you’re making.

I was responding to those who said we had too much parking. If you go back and read I said it would be wise to table any talk of ridding spaces until after OMNI/CC/Park are all fully open and functioning.

Too much is a good thing when you compare it to not having enough parking. Me and I think most people would choose the former. That said the parking culture in OKC where people want a spot right in front of their business is real.

I have relatives that live within 4-5 houses of each other in a suburban area with sidewalks and yet they will drive to each other’s houses. It’s really bizarre. I doubt that is caused due to over abundance of parking spaces. But the idea of having parking spaces in front of everywhere you want to go is absurd yes. People should walk a bit more.

Yet disabled people in NYC, LA, Chicago etc are able to do it somehow.

Yeah, they have dramatically more accessible and “walkable” Street design. OKC has so many gaps and inaccessible areas. But I agree with your premise that OKC should be designed as well as those cities.

I was responding to those who said we had too much parking. If you go back and read I said it would be wise to table any talk of ridding spaces until after OMNI/CC/Park are all fully open and functioning.

Aside that they’re overbuilding parking for those places too, there is such a dramatic over abundance of parking throughout the core that it really is not relevant. People aren’t parking in the parking district and walking to the Convention Center anyway. Parking needs to be cut everywhere.

Aside that they’re overbuilding parking for those places too, there is such a dramatic over abundance of parking throughout the core that it really is not relevant. People aren’t parking in the parking district and walking to the Convention Center anyway. Parking needs to be cut everywhere.

Try finding spots during lunch its impossible

Cutting parking will cut business

Try finding spots during lunch its impossible

Cutting parking will cut business
Personally, I have had no issues finding a parking spot in OKC EVER. During thunder games, lunch, dinner, arts festival, or anytime. Granted that doesn’t mean parking right in front of my destination.

Try finding spots during lunch its impossible

Cutting parking will cut business

Empty parking spots don’t go shopping.

I recall that the consultant told the City Council that too little parking is crippling to urban growth. Urban Renewal operated with that principle, and that is a big part of why we have so many parking areas now. A surface lot might be unattractive, but it is relatively low cost to install and easily removed when a better and higher use is found for the property.

I recall that the consultant told the City Council that too little parking is crippling to urban growth. Urban Renewal operated with that principle, and that is a big part of why we have so many parking areas now. A surface lot might be unattractive, but it is relatively low cost to install and easily removed when a better and higher use is found for the property.

If the amount of parking had any correlation with urban growth, okc would look like Manhattan at this point. I hope this was said by a consultant to the council 30 years ago and we’ve since moved on from this antiquated way of thinking.

How does any business in NYC ever sell anything without billions of parking spots? This logic is lol. Parking is what fragments the urban core and results in less people on the streets. There is way way way too much parking the core. You need to look harder if you can’t find it. It’s there.

Please help me understand what the problem is with abundant surface parking today? I think the reality is that Urban Renewal left us with much vacant land that still has not been developed, and surface parking is better than a dirt or scrub brush lot. Market growth will fill much of that land with buildings. Surface parking is not hindering growth, IMO.

Large scale developers want to control parking cost in our market. BancFirst and Continental Resources are buying the Santa Fe Garage because they want to know how many spaces they have guaranteed for their employees and visitors through the life span of their buildings.

I would be curious as to parking downtown in cities such as Louisville. SLC, or Indianapolis.

How does any business in NYC ever sell anything without billions of parking spots? This logic is lol. Parking is what fragments the urban core and results in less people on the streets. There is way way way too much parking the core. You need to look harder if you can’t find it. It’s there.
So, it would probably surprise you to know there are over 5 MILLION parking spaces in New York City. They have an incredible number of cars on the streets. NYC is very car saturated.

So, it would probably surprise you to know there are over 5 MILLION parking spaces in New York City. They have an incredible number of cars on the streets. NYC is very car saturated.

5 million parking spaces for a population of 8.6 million. Let’s keep things in context. Most OKC residents would call for martial law with a ratio like that. I think there’s almost that many spots in Chisholm Creek alone.

5 million parking spaces for a population of 8.6 million. Let’s keep things in context. Most OKC residents would call for martial law with a ratio like that. I think there’s almost that many spots in Chisholm Creek alone.Lets also not forget the daytime population of Manhattan alone is 4+ million people. The CMSA+
is 20 million. Some parking spaces are 400 a month and around $5 a day. Rovers comments are out of perspective.