1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.01. Study Purpose and Approach
A parking task force at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) was formed during the fall of 2009 to evaluate current parking registration and enforcement systems. The task force met regularly during the fall and spring semesters and made a final presentation of recommendations in March 2010. The parking system review process included input from the campus community solicited through a number of avenues, including a Campus Open Forum in March 2010. The task force evaluated a variety of components of the campus parking system and the management of campus parking resources.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT ALTERNATIVES
Parking Signage and Wayfinding
The existing parking lot signs that identify facilities are generally in good physical shape. The design and layout of the sign faces are consistent throughout the parking system. The existing signs are effective in presenting
• Identification as a Michigan Tech Lot
• Displaying the Lot Number
• Designated User Group
Some of the lot signs also provide suggestions of alternative parking locations if the lot is full. However, some of the supplementary signage at the entry lanes conflicts with the information on the lot signs. For example, in some locations small signs affixed to the barrier gate housings present operating hours that differ from the primary lot signs. The information on all the signs for a specific lot should be consistent. The smaller signs should be removed or covered. The sign panel near Lot 10 contains a dynamic lighted “full” sign module. However, the “full” sign does not apply to Lot 10. Rather the “full” sign is illuminated when Lot 9, across the street, is full. It is acknowledged that regular users will learn that the “full” sign applies to Lot 9 and not Lot 10. The placement of the “full” sign is confusing and should be moved. Consideration should also be given to supplementing the lot signs with similar wayfinding signs. Conceptually, the wayfinding sign faces would be perpendicular to the roadway and include arrows pointing towards the lot entrances. These wayfinding signs are most needed for the parking lots open to visitors. The wayfinding signs pointing towards visitor parking facilities should also include location supplementary information such as: “Administration Building”, “Rozsa Center”, “Memorial Union Building”, etc. The visitor wayfinding and lot designations signs should be consistent with the Michigan Tech signage theme; some of Rozsa Center visitor parking signs are not consistent with the standard Michigan Tech signage and are not graphically bold.
4.04 Parking Operations and Management As stated previously, campus parking is currently operated and managed by several university departments. This section of the report outlines recommended improvements for the operation and management of the campus parking system.