Parking in downtown Huntsville will soon get a little easier

Huntsville residents who have a hard time finding a parking spot for downtown events may soon find relief.

The Huntsville City Council approved a $25,000 contract with ParkZen, which has an innovative smart-parking app that gives drivers real-time information about parking availability in city-managed garages and lots.

Implementation of the parking app is expected later in the summer.

ParkZen uses smartphone-based technology to help users navigate to open spaces in city-owned parking garages and parking lots, and reduce the time and stress often associated with urban parking.

The app also allows users to easily remember where they parked and report issues or provide feedback – all from their mobile device. Users can check parking lot occupancy, monitor space availability and make more informed decisions before arriving downtown.

“This partnership is a big step forward in improving the parking experience for everyone who lives, works or visits downtown,” said Quisha Bryant, director of Parking and Public Transportation. “By downloading the app, drivers will have access to real-time information, meaning we’re helping them spend less time circling blocks and more time enjoying everything our city has to offer.”

The city will integrate ParkZen with its six city-owned parking garages and four surface lots, with the potential to expand to on-street parking in the future. Because ParkZen’s accuracy increases as more people use it, city officials are encouraging residents and visitors to download the app once it is launched to help maximize the system’s effectiveness.

“Our goal is simple – make parking easier, smarter and more efficient,” Bryant said. “With ParkZen, we can better manage parking demand during large events, understand usage patterns and continually improve the overall experience for our community.”

Scott Turner covers growth, economic development in the Huntsville area for AL.com and the Huntsville Times. A veteran journalist, his career includes coverage of politics, environmental, military, veteran,...