We want to share a few upcoming changes to operations at the Church’s parking garage that will be implemented within the next few weeks.
Next month, the garage will open to paid public parking through a partnership with Parking Company of America, which has been contracting out spaces for the past few years Monday-Friday. This partnership will not only enable the Church to generate revenue to offset the operating budget for 2022, but also further support our neighborhood. Visitors to the Farmers Market, Lighthouse Dallas, and other activities on our side of Downtown regularly require parking. As development in the area continues and flat lots disappear, the parking garage will become an asset not only for the Church but the community at large.
For many visitors to the Church, the parking garage is the first point of hospitality. Therefore, the garage will have open parking for all, with spaces no longer reserved for staff. While we are excited to welcome more visitors, to increase safety, the Property Committee recommended and the Session approved the creation of a secure vestibule in the parking garage. Work commenced last week on the new vestibule, which will be located on the ground floor outside the garage elevators. This facility upgrade controls access to Church Street and Blakely Hall outside of Sundays.
Soon, you will see new signage for New Visitor Parking and Family Friendly Parking in the flat lot outside the Church. We understand the use of the flat lot is easier when you attend on Sundays, but if we reserve these spaces for families of young children who want to drop off at the nursery or new visitors so they can find their way easily into the Church, it will further extend the sense of welcome and hospitality we are known for.
We are grateful for your understanding as we implement the new parking policy and operations. Please read through a list of frequently asked questions about the parking garage below. If you have a question that isn’t answered, please submit it here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will the parking garage go public?
We hope to open the garage to daily use as soon as April 1, 2022.
Will the Flat Parking Lot go public?
No. This will be reserved for church use Monday-Saturday.
Will the parking garage be free on Sundays?
Yes. The garage will not only be free on Sundays, but all church events will have free parking. Parking validation will be required if the event is Monday-Saturday.
How do I validate parking at the church?
When you park, you will need to enter your payment/vehicle information. The payment will show pending until validated. QR Codes will be available to validate parking in the church garage at The Welcome Center Desk as well as be provided in reserved rooms for weekday/Saturday programming.
What will the hours of operation for the parking garage be during the week?
The Parking Company of America and FPC Dallas will work together to analyze market demand and use as we begin on April 1, 2022.
What happens if a car gets left overnight?
If the car’s parking has been validated, nothing. If the car belongs to a public parker, then they will be charged an overnight fee. Signage will be posted for hours of operation.
What will the initial cost be per day per spot?
Monday-Friday will cost $3 per day for 6am-6pm
Monday-Wednesday will cost $3 per day for 6pm-close
Thursday-Saturday will cost $7 per day for 6pm-close
Saturday will cost $7 per day for 6am-6pm
How are we enforcing parking compliance?
Parking Company of America has a parking enforcement contractor, Parking Revenue Recovery Services. They enforce at the discretion of Parking Company of America. They will go through the parking garage at regularly scheduled intervals to confirm parking compliance.
What happens if a member/visitor to a church event gets a ticket because they forget to validate?
Parking Company of America can void any erroneous tickets at the church’s request immediately. Please submit a request via email to Ashlee Hueston, ashleeh@fpcdallas.org, if you receive a ticket.
Who can validate my parking?
All staff members will be trained with how to validate parking and QR codes will be available at The Welcome Center and in reserved rooms that you can use as well. Remember, Sunday programming will not require validation.