Letter to the Editor: Winter is not an excuse for poor parking
As a 24-year native of Michigan, I am used to the cold and the snow every year. That does not mean I enjoy the snow and cold, I am just used to it. Most natives, or anyone who has lived here for an extended period of time can say the same. To those who may not be so familiar with Michigan winters, welcome! Also, I am sorry. The parking etiquette, or lack thereof, I have noticed on campus, however, comes from Michigan natives and non‑Michigan natives alike. I understand that especially around this time of year we have many things to remember and things to do, but in the process of all this many people forget how to park. Just because the parking lines in the lot are buried under snow, does NOT mean they do no exist. It is not fun walking or driving in the snow but please be courteous and keep other people in mind when you are parking your car. The other day I was witness to a teeny tiny Ford Escort taking up, I kid you not, two parking spaces.
I didn’t think it was possible either. Unlike waistlines, your car does not expand in the winter. Use your best depth perception skills and park like you would if it were warm and sunny.
Ana M. Tester
WMU Post Bac student and Super Senior
Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=2869
Posted by HeraldAdmin
on Dec 7 2008. Filed under Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
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My favorite memory of winter driving at WMU were the students (and they probably still do the same thing) who live less than a five-minute walk away, yet they’ll hop in their cars, park on campus without a parking sticker in a sticker-required space, all to avoid walking in the cold and snow.
Really? Did you need to do that? Honestly?
I enjoy the snow, and I can handle cold. I used to live at the Stadium Drive Apartments and would walk to campus when possible. I would take the bus when such was convenient. Even if I had to make a 20-minute walk across campus from where I lived, I made the walk in the cold and snow instead of hopping in my car and taking up a parking space for which someone has already paid.
Granted, I think WMU needs to get over the “pedestrian-friendly campus” and build more parking structures/garages. Prime parking lots dedicated to a few faculty/staff parking spots could easily be rennovated for three/four/five-level parking garages. Heck, we could even make underground parking garages if need be. Doubtful people would be able to STILL park correctly above or underground, but at least more spaces would be available for people.