In Kansas City, there seems to be a wide variety of choices when it comes to where to park your car; however, not all parking is created equal. When observing the different types of parking around our study area and the KC Metro, one question came to mind: what makes good parking?
The photos above demonstrate qualities that make up good parking. The implementation of curb extensions or bump-outs create buffers between the roadway and pedestrians traveling on the sidewalks. These bump-outs provide protection for those on the sidewalk in the event a driver loses control of their car and drives over the curb. Bump-outs help to make roads more narrow, ideally making drivers more aware of their surroundings and pedestrians that may be walking nearby.
The middle photo shows a parking-protected sidewalk for pedestrians traveling to and from the Sunfresh grocery store located in the Linwood Shopping Center at Linwood Blvd. and Prospect in Kansas City. This protected sidewalk allows those traveling by foot from nearby transit stops to walk through the parking lot without fearing their safety by the potential of erratic drivers in the wide-open parking lot.
The photo on the right features planters with street trees that not only create shade for parked cars and pedestrians on the sidewalk, but also provide protection for those on the sidewalk. The parking provides a buffer between the lane of traffic and people on the street.
The bottom photo is located in the Brookside Shopping Center along 63rd street in Kansas City, Missouri. This parking lot is located behind the shops in Brookside, as not to take away from the storefronts and promote pedestrian traffic around the area. This area features many sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, creating an inviting atmosphere for those traveling by foot.
The Scottish Rite Temple parking lots are examples of poor parking choices in the Kansas City area. These lots are simply slabs of asphalt with little to no direction for cars or pedestrians walking to and from the temple. This lack of direction may create a dangerous situation for both drivers and pedestrians. The openness of the lot creates an uninviting atmosphere for anyone who may have to walk through the lot.
In addition to pedestrian traffic and protection, parking should also have adequate lighting so that both people in cars and on foot are seen and the area is well illuminated. Without proper lighting, parking lots feel dangerous and uninviting to anyone who may have to exit their car. In addition to the lights on the buildings, the parking lot for the Linwood Shopping center is well lit for both pedestrians and drivers, making this lot feel safe and helping people be seen by those in cars.
