Public parking in the centre of Mapleton has been identified as an issue in the community. There are concerns that the lack of sufficient parking in the village centre is negatively impacting local businesses and their customers. To address this issue, a parking survey is being conducted by the MADCA (Mapleton and District Community Association) throughout August to gather the experiences and opinions of the community. The information collected will assist the MADCA in developing strategies to address the parking challenges in the area.
Parking is often underestimated and not well understood, but it is one of the largest single land uses in municipalities' "footprints" and deserves more attention than it typically gets, due to its influence on the character, form, function, and flow of our community. The survey should ultimately bring several benefits to the community. The MADCA parking survey aimed to address the following objectives:
By conducting a parking survey, the MADCA hopes to gain insights into how parking spaces are being utilised. This data can help the identify areas where parking demand exceeds capacity or where parking spaces are underutilised. Understanding parking patterns can also contribute to improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. By identifying areas with high parking demand or inadequate parking, they can take measures can be taken to address safety and accessibility concerns.
The data collected from the survey can inform future development plans. It can help identify areas where additional parking infrastructure may be needed to accommodate growth and ensure convenient access to Mapleton’s local businesses and amenities. Adequate parking is essential for attracting businesses and visitors to the community.
The survey will also provide an opportunity to engage the community in the decision-making process. By involving residents and businesses in the survey, the community association can gather valuable input and ensure that the parking solutions align with the needs and preferences of the community.