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Hot Springs moves to expand free downtown parking and roll out ParkMobile alongside ParkSmart
Summary
City Manager Bill Burrow told the board the administration has offered on a 75‑space lot (appraisal $180,000) contingent on approval, plans to open underused parking‑deck levels for free, and is implementing ParkMobile while retaining ParkSmart; parking‑deck data show roughly 40% underutilization and an average stay of about 177 minutes.
City Manager Bill Burrow updated the board July 21 on several downtown parking efforts, including an offer on a 75‑space lot at the end of Exchange Street (the city's appraisal: $180,000) that the administration has placed contingent on board approval. "It holds about 75 spaces. We've made an offer on the property," Burrow said, and he said the offer is currently undergoing a second appraisal process.
Burrow said parking‑deck monitoring indicates about 40% underutilization and that average stays run about 177 minutes, which suggests many users are visitors. As a result, staff will propose opening upper deck levels (3A and 3B) as free parking for employees and downtown residents, potentially adding about 75 spaces if the board approves.
On payment systems, Burrow said the city will offer ParkMobile alongside its existing ParkSmart system and is preparing signage to reduce confusion. "ParkMobile is the largest in the world," he said, adding that last month roughly $50,000 flowed through the app currently in use.
The board did not take a final vote on purchasing the lot during the meeting; staff said the purchase is contingent on further appraisal and board approval.
