Changes on Evansdale necessitate new WVU Student Rec Center parking rules

September 14th, 2016

Increased activity on West Virginia University’s Evansdale Campus has necessitated changing the previously free parking at the Student Recreation Center to paid parking during daytime business hours, according to Parking and Transportation Director Clement Solomon.

Significant changes in demand for parking have made it clear that student access to the Rec Center, especially during peak usage periods, is a priority.

The changing makeup of Evansdale Campus has required that the university offer more short term spaces, and shift away from parking linked to specific buildings, Solomon said. One of these changes is the opening of Evansdale Crossing, which houses Mountaineer Hub, the Media Innovation Lab and several new restaurants.

“It is a tough balancing act,” Solomon said. “As with any short term lot, we try to maximize use of our limited parking capacity without having a significant impact when students have traditionally used the recreation center.”

“As enrollment continues to grow, we continue to assess and implement strategies to improve access to recreation, academic and other facilities on the Evansdale Campus,” he said. “Our primary goal has been to expand short term parking privileges to all WVU students who need access to various services near the Recreation Center.”

He noted that another key component was to add disabled parking for faculty, staff, students and visitors.

After engaging Student Government leaders to explore options, Narvel Weese, vice president for Administration and Finance, said the University will implement the following parking strategy effective Monday (Sept. 19):

  • Short-term Lots 1 (Art Museum) and 8 (Alumni Center): 50 cents per hour, reduced from $1.25, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Short-term Lot 4 (Rec Center): $1.25 per hour, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Parking will be free in Short Term Lots 1, 4, 8, 9 (Evansdale Crossing) before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m. and on weekends.

It is also important to note that this change is designed to allow the maximum number of students, especially during peak periods of Rec Center use, to park for free.

It also encourages turnover during peak periods of general campus use. The University also seeks to provide students with a lower hourly rate option, especially for those who use the Rec Center when parking charges are in effect between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Even with the change, Rec Center parking is free for more than half the time the Center is open.

Another option is the MountainLine bus service, which is free with a WVU ID, which has shifted routes to serve Evansdale Crossing, improving access to the area.

Additionally, parking at the WVU Coliseum remains free, with shuttles available to Evansdale Crossing.

Attached are several web links including a free parking app which can assist in planning and/or managing parking across campus:

-WVU-

jb/09/13/06

CONTACT: University Relations/Communications
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