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Council weighs $6.3M parking expansion after study finds peak demand above capacity; $2M approved for design
Summary
A July parking study showed up to 104% utilization at the aquatic center and 118% on nearby Trabuco Circle during a major event; council approved $2.0M this year toward a larger estimated $6.3M surface parking expansion for 148 spaces while debating alternatives such as shuttles and phased design.
Council members spent extensive time debating how to respond to repeated event‑related parking shortages around the aquatic center, golf course and recreation facilities, with staff presenting a July study showing high peak demand and overflow into residential streets.
The traffic study (presented by the city’s traffic engineer) found a peak overall demand of 86% during a multi‑day swim event, with the aquatic center reaching 100% utilization at peak times and recorded utilization up to 104% at the aquatic center and 118% on Trabuco Circle. Recreation staff said that an off‑site shuttle was promoted at the event but had low uptake; staff noted a roughly $12,000 shuttle cost for the trial event. Council Member Cynthia Vasquez summed up fiscal concerns: “for 148 surface parking spaces at $6,000,000 that's roughly $40,000 a parking spot.” (Council Member Cynthia Vasquez)
Council ultimately approved a motion to allocate $2.0 million toward the parking expansion this fiscal year to allow design and partial phasing, while directing staff to return with engineering estimates and options to stage construction to limit reserve impacts. Council members and staff discussed alternatives including improved parking management, shuttle operations, and potential grant funding for future phases.
