Parking lots at Orono have always been a hot topic, sparking debates and even some arguments over the years. The school’s parking policy has changed a lot over time, and now, as listed in the Orono handbook, the administration has decided that assigning whole parking lots to certain groups of students, instead of specific spaces, is the way to go. This new rule has caused frustration among students, especially as everyone tries to navigate the lots before and after school.
“[Having assigned parking spaces] would just make things a lot easier in the mornings: not having to look for a spot, [and] just knowing where you’re going every day” senior Autumn DeLong said.
Finding a parking spot in the mornings can be tough, but it’s not the only problem students face when it comes to parking. Sometimes, certain parking lots get overcrowded because some students park in spots they are not assigned to, just to get a closer spot to the school. This creates even more confusion, as it makes the lots more crowded and harder to navigate. It also adds to the stress of getting to class on time, especially when everyone is trying to park before the bell rings.
“People don’t park in their assigned parking lots…I think that if we had assigned parking spaces, it would be a lot easier to assign tickets to people. It’s also hard to find a parking space in the morning while I’m also focussing on getting to class before the bell rings” DeLong said.
Students have noticed that the amount of tickets being assigned this year are significantly less than what they’ve seen in previous years, adding more irritation towards those who do not park where they are supposed to.
“I’ve seen people who have parked in lots they’re not assigned to and get away with it” DeLong said.
Another senior agrees with Delong.
“I haven’t really heard of anybody this year getting ticketed for parking in the wrong spots or any other reasons that they would [usually] give tickets out [for]” senior Lauren Steiner said.
Although students believe the amount of tickets being handed out has become limited, it has been confirmed that the Orono hall monitor is out in the parking lots every day, checking students’ parking tags to ensure they are in the correct spots.
“Our hall monitor that we have now, he patrols the lots. He gives tickets to kids who either don’t have their tag or the tag is in the wrong lot” principal Amy Steiner said.
Aside from the debate over assigned parking spots versus assigned parking lots, there have been other safety concerns, especially around the senior lot. One of the main issues is how parents dropping off their kids navigate the area.
The way Orono parents drive through the lot often causes congestion and makes it harder for students to park or move around safely. This has led to concerns about near-misses, adding another layer of frustration for everyone trying to get to school on time.
“The other day, I almost got T-boned by a parent in the parking lot while I was already parked. Also, parents drop their students off in the middle of the road or in other inconvenient places” Lauren Steiner said.
The ongoing parking challenges at Orono represent a larger issue of organization, safety, and student convenience. While the administration’s decision to assign entire lots rather than specific parking spots was intended to streamline the process, it has led to frustration and confusion.
Students are voicing their concerns about the lack of enforcement and the challenges posed by overcrowding, which not only makes it harder to find a spot but also increases the risk of accidents. Moreover, safety concerns around the parent drop-off areas only add to the stress.
Although the school is making efforts to manage the situation through patrols and ticketing, it is clear that a more comprehensive solution is needed to balance convenience, safety, and fairness for all students.
