New Solar-Powered Parking System Implemented in Downtown Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KATV) — A new solar-powered parking system has been implemented in downtown Hot Springs, replacing the old coin-operated meters. Deputy City Manager Lance Spicer said the change aims to provide a more managed approach to parking and increase city revenue.

"The coin-operated meters, they did malfunction a lot. A lot of times people don't have change, they don't have quarters, they don't have dimes and really what this does is take that out of the equation," Spicer said.

Visit Hot Springs reported that research from 2022 shows the city attracts over 3.6 million overnight visitors annually.

"Really the end result is we want to build another parking garage, parking facility with these revenues that we reinvest into the parking program," he said.

The community has expressed a need for more affordable and accessible parking spaces, Spicer said.

The new system divides the area into three parking zones, with enforcement from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and the highest rate set at $2 an hour.

However, the system has upset some downtown residents.

City directors are considering a resident parking program, which could cost some residents living in the downtown area over $1,000 a year to park near their homes.

"I think it is completely wrong and a disgrace to the locals for you guys to even make people pay to work downtown," said Josh Stewart who lives in downtown Hot Springs.

"If the city wants to keep downtown vibrant and thriving, it needs to support its people by offering parking passes and ensuring fair treatment for those who make the downtown where it is," Stewart said.

"At this point, money is tight and it is difficult for us to come up with $260 a quarter," Erin Huddleston, a resident who also lives in downtown Hot Springs, said to city directors.

Tyler Draper, another Hot Springs resident, said if the rate for those living in the downtown area was lower, that would be an idea he could get behind.

"Our locals here, we are trying our best to make it better. Let's get the tourists. And when tourists do come here and they do talk to locals and we tell them, 'Hey we have actually got to pay to park down here,' those tourists are going to be like, 'Well I don't want to live there," Draper said.

The resident parking program has not been passed by the city's board of directors, as a few city leaders wanted to try and get rates lowered for those living in the area.

A decision on those rates could come in February.