During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the upcoming PGA tournament, which is expected to attract between 30,000 to 50,000 visitors this fall. Concerns were raised regarding parking availability, as the Black Desert Resort lacks sufficient spaces to accommodate the influx of attendees.
Council members deliberated on potential solutions, including the possibility of blocking off Padre Canyon to manage traffic flow and whether homeowners near the resort could charge for parking in their driveways. The need for a survey of local residents was also highlighted to gauge their preferences on parking arrangements.
Additionally, the council discussed the necessity of assessing all available parking options in Ivins, including those at churches, schools, and businesses. The conversation extended to the logistics of RV parking, traffic routing, shuttle services, and even the management of helicopter traffic over the resort during the event.
Another critical topic was the enforcement of short-term rental (STR) laws during the tournament week, with questions raised about whether residents could convert their homes into STRs for that period.
The council acknowledged the need for a comprehensive list of potential impacts and solutions, as well as the identification of responsible parties for implementing these measures. The discussion also included considerations for additional police presence to ensure public safety during the event, prompting questions about funding for these services.
Council member Scott confirmed that this topic would be placed on the agenda for future meetings, indicating that further discussions and planning are forthcoming as the city prepares for the anticipated influx of visitors.