GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – With the traffic congestion that goes along with ArtPrize, some drivers feel more parking tickets have been issued, but the Grand Rapids city officials say there are just more cars.
Grand Rapids Parking Director Pam Ritsema said relative to the number of cars downtown, she does not believe city parking attendants have issued a higher percentage of tickets.
“Be patient,” said Ritsema. “We love ArtPrize visitors, but I know it can be frustrating for people who work downtown every day."
Now with ArtPrize in full swing, Ritsema suggests parking in lots just outside of downtown: Ionia Mason, just north of I-196, and Area 9, on the Grand Rapids’ Westside near the YMCA, both cost $2 for the day, and the DASH Bus rides nearby.
Ritsema said the DASH Bus runs free during ArtPrize, and has extended its evening and weekend hours during the competition. Click hereto see Dash routes and hours during ArtPrize.
“If it were me, I would probably park in either one of those two lots,” said Ritsema. “You avoid the congestion of downtown. And if you do come downtown, please be very careful, a lot of pedestrians, a lot of cars, a lot of people unfamiliar with the downtown streets."
Ritsema also told FOX 17 that the city has placed more bike racks throughout downtown, and the Parkmobile app allows users to restart payment on your current parking spot just as it expires.
