The Downtown Parking Myth

One of the most common complaints I hear about downtown Kendallville is the perceived lack of parking. How often have you heard someone say, "I don’t go downtown because there’s nowhere to park”? While this is a common belief, it’s not necessarily true. In fact, it often stems from a misunderstanding of what we expect from parking in certain areas versus others. There are currently around 75 businesses within Kendallville’s downtown district – and 438 public parking spaces.  I know, because I counted.  That’s enough parking to accommodate almost 6 cars per business and doesn’t even take into consideration the private parking that is also available for some of these businesses.

What’s fascinating to me is that most people will willingly walk a considerable distance to get from their parking spot to a store in a mall or a Walmart, but for some reason -- downtown businesses are often held to a much higher standard.

While it may be rare to find a spot directly in front of the store or restaurant you want to visit, there are still plenty of parking options—whether it’s on the street a block or two away or in nearby lots. So, the problem isn’t always the availability of parking, but rather the expectation that parking should be easy, fast, and right in front of the destination.

Think about the last time you visited a Walmart or a large shopping center. You park in a sprawling lot and start the trek to the entrance. On average, you’re walking 200-300 feet from your car to the front doors. Once inside, the walking continues. A store like Walmart, for example, has around 150,000 square feet of retail space, and you’re likely covering hundreds of feet just getting to the section you need.

So, why does walking a few blocks in downtown feel so different?  The difference (in my opinion) is largely psychological. In a shopping mall, you expect to walk. The parking lot is big, and the stores are spread out, but the experience is designed to make walking part of the journey.  It’s a package deal, and your mind is ready for it.

In a downtown setting, however, people expect a different experience. If they can’t find a spot directly in front of their destination, it feels like a hassle. Yet, the actual distance from a parking spot on a side street to that favorite café or boutique is more than likely less than the walk you’d make from the far end of a Walmart parking lot to the store’s front door.

The difference in perception might also stem from the nature of the walk itself. Walking from a parking lot to a store in a mall is smoot and uninterrupted (predictable). On the other hand, downtown walks might involve crossing streets, navigating crowds, or dealing with weather conditions. However, these are minor inconveniences that, when put in perspective, aren’t much more demanding than walking through a giant retail store.

And keep in mind that walking in downtown Kendallville takes you past beautiful architecture, unique storefronts, public art, and green spaces—none of which you get while walking through an asphalt parking lot.  And when you park a few blocks away, you might stumble upon a cool shop you didn’t know existed or spot a new restaurant to try. Don’t be afraid to allow yourself a slower, more enjoyable experience.

Embrace the walk!