The city of Idaho Falls is set to implement a significant overhaul of its downtown parking system this fall, transitioning from a two-hour complimentary model to a new fee-based approach. This strategic shift, spearheaded by the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), aims to foster a more dynamic and efficient urban core, directly impacting how residents and visitors access local businesses and amenities. The initiative reflects a growing trend in urban planning to optimize public spaces for both convenience and economic vitality.
The transformation will unfold gradually, with the initial phase slated for an October rollout. This foundational stage will primarily impact the Business Improvement District, signaling a deliberate move towards modernized parking management. Officials emphasize that this evolution is not merely about introducing fees but about creating a sustainable and accessible environment for all downtown stakeholders.
“Parking is a vital part of the success of our downtown,” stated Kerry Hammon, Executive Director of the IFDDC, underscoring the necessity of the new system. The core objective is to facilitate a higher turnover of on-street parking spaces. By encouraging shorter stays and promoting movement, the IFDDC anticipates that customers will more readily locate available parking, thereby providing crucial support to local businesses and bolstering the overall downtown economy.
Central to the new arrangement is the Park Smarter mobile application, designated as the primary conduit for purchasing parking time. This digital-first approach offers unparalleled convenience, allowing users to manage their parking sessions directly from their smartphones. The pricing structure has been meticulously designed to encourage brief visits for quick errands while simultaneously accommodating those who require extended stays, ensuring flexibility for diverse needs.
The implementation is structured as a two-phase strategy to ensure a smooth transition and comprehensive coverage. The initial phase will encompass a defined area stretching northward from Broadway to D Street, and westward from Yellowstone Avenue to Memorial Drive. This strategically chosen zone covers a significant portion of the core downtown business district, establishing the foundation for the broader initiative.
Looking ahead, the second phase is planned for the following year and will extend coverage south of Broadway. This expansion is projected to include a suite of additional enhancements, such as upgraded parking lot systems, modernized payment stations, and clearer directional signage for lots under IFDDC management. The realization of these future improvements is contingent upon the availability of funding, highlighting a commitment to continuous development.
Acknowledging varying user needs, the system incorporates five physical payment stations strategically distributed across four key downtown parking lots. These stations are located behind Smokin’ Fins at Broadway Plaza, in the Capital Avenue lot between A and B Streets, behind Channel Blend in the B Parking Lot, and two stations situated in the A Parking Lot behind Idaho Mountain Trading. Furthermore, the mobile app enhances user experience with features like impending expiration notifications and the ability to remotely extend parking sessions up to the four-hour maximum.
To ensure continued accessibility and minimize disruption, several accommodations have been integrated. Drivers displaying disability placards will retain their privilege to park without charge. Existing 20-minute loading zones will remain available, catering to quick errands and deliveries. The Constitution Way parking spaces will also transition to the new metered system, accompanied by updated signage to guide users.
The paid parking requirements are active Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crucially, evenings, weekends, and federal holidays will remain free, ensuring that downtown events, leisure activities, and community gatherings are not adversely impacted by the new system. All revenue generated through this program will be reinvested directly into downtown improvements, specifically earmarked for parking facility maintenance, enhancements, and other public property upgrades within the Business Improvement District, under the guidance of the City of Idaho Falls.
