Scrutiny Of Campus Parking In Progress


by Anne Dolan

Iowa State officials are conducting a feasibility study to 
assess parking needs on campus. Most of the data for the 
study was collected this week by a team of consultants from 
Rich & Associates, Springfield, Mich.

The study is a response to a spring 1994 recommendation from 
the Transportation Advisory Council for a comprehensive 
review of the university's overall parking plan, including 
the need, cost and potential site for a parking ramp.

"It is important that we plan today to resolve not only our 
present needs, but also parking requirements well into the 
21st century,"said Loras Jaeger, director of the department 
of public safety. 

The study included written surveys, focus group sessions and 
parking lot usage counts. Students in 40 graduate and 
undergraduate courses were surveyed in class this week. A 
sample of faculty and  staff also were mailed the survey, 
which inquires about use of parking lots during the day, 
driving patterns and overall satisfaction with campus 
parking.

The consultants also led 12 focus group sessions with faculty 
and staff and an open brown bag lunch session. Focus groups 
included representatives from Iowa State Center and the 
athletic department, the residence system, Faculty Senate, 
facilities planning and management, and others. 

In addition to the class surveys, Iowa State students were 
invited to share their comments at three open sessions. The 
consultants also met separately with Government of the 
Student Body representatives.

Finally, the consultants spent a day doing vehicle counts in 
parking lots across campus.

Results of the study are scheduled to be ready by late fall 
and will be shared with the campus community. The cost of the 
study is $19,000 and is funded through parking system 
revenues.

_____
contact:  Anne Dolan, Internal Communications, (515) 294-7065
updated:  9-15-95