Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

The perception that downtown Provo has a parking problem, or not enough parking, may be more fiction than fact.

On Tuesday, the Provo Municipal Council heard an updated presentation on downtown parking from Keith Morey, Economic Development director.

Morey noted there are a number of parking garages and public accesses for people to visit downtown, day or night.

The city owns portions of some of the garages and on-street parking, as well as the paid parking at the Provo Municipal Airport.

Morey recommended forming a parking authority that could then meet with stakeholders on rates and signage, along with other items of interest.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

Council member David Shipley wanted to know about subsidies in the gated parking areas and felt there was missing information that would be needed for a good conversation.

“Don’t put the cart before the horse,” said council member Shannon Ellsworth. She believes there needs be good information before a parking authority is formed.

Morey said he believed creating the authority would create the conversation, and that is the best way to handle it.

After more discussion from the council the item was moved forward to the next work session. In the meantime, Morey said he would gather more information.

Still, some residents are finding the parking one of the things that keeps them from downtown. To help with those concerns, a Provo Parking app is being developed.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

“The Provo parking app is currently being tested. It will be available from our current parking software provider,” Morey said. “The cost is $0.35 per transaction (Paylock) and a 2.95% credit card transaction fee.”

Morey said he believes the app could handle parking throughout the entire city.

Council member George Handley said the app should provide one-stop shopping for a variety of things offered by Provo, including announcing events and where to park for them.

Provo is also working to help motorists find parking in through the city’s wayfinding sign project.

“A bid estimate has been received for phase 4 of the Wayfinding project with a total amount of $237,886,” Morey said.

Wayfinding signs have been put at the various parking garages and around town, but need updating. Third-party companies, not the city, regulate and manage the assets and stall fees

Parking garages available to the public include: Freedom Commons Garage (180 N. Freedom Blvd.), Marriott Garage (99 W. 100 North), Town Square Garage (52 N. 100 West), Wells Fargo Garage (50 E. 100 North), Zions Bank Garage (180 N. University Ave.), NuSkin Garage 155 S. (200 West), Utah County Garage (171 S. 100 East) and Utah State Garage (101 E. 100 South).

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