KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – New parking meter kiosks have gone online in downtown Kalamazoo, which city officials say is part of a series of updates to improve parking availability.
The changes follow recommendations from the City’s Parking+ Downtown Parking Management Blueprint, first published in 2019 and updated in 2023, which aims to make it easier for visitors to find parking near their destination while maintaining free options throughout downtown.
As part of the updates, 12 downtown blocks have transitioned to paid parking where demand for curbside spaces is highest, while 11 blocks have transitioned to free parking, creating new free parking options downtown. The first 90-minutes will remain free in the City’s parking ramps.
Starting Wednesday, April 1, paid parking areas will include two pricing zones:
· Premium Rate Zone: $2 per hour, located in the core downtown area where parking demand is highest. This is the current rate on the Kalamazoo Mall.
· Base Rate Zone: $1.50 per hour, located on surrounding streets with moderate demand. The current base rate is $1.75; this represents a reduction in the system-wide rate.
Many on-street spaces will remain free, and visitors will continue to have access to free 90-minute parking in the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall ramps.
New signage and payment kiosks are in place throughout downtown, and flyers and posters were posted on blocks where parking rules are changing to help visitors navigate the updated parking system.
Meter enforcement now begins at 10:00 a.m., aligning with peak downtown activity. To help drivers adjust, there will be a grace period beginning today. During this time, visitors who have not yet paid for parking may receive a notice instead of a ticket, while standard time limits and other parking regulations will continue to be enforced.
As part of broader parking system improvements, additional updates will be introduced later this year. New accessible (ADA) parking spaces will be added throughout downtown, which will be installed after curb improvements, such as updated ramps and curb cuts, are completed.
The 53 existing loading zones will be converted to 15-minute spaces to accommodate both loading activity and short-term parking, with additional spaces added to support quick trips for deliveries, shopping, and takeout.
Updated parking maps and additional information are available at www.parkkalamazoo.org.
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