KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville city leaders are looking for ways to improve parking throughout the downtown district. A key part of this process is the city asking for the public's opinion through a survey conducted by consulting firm Walker Consultants.
As hundreds gathered downtown Friday night for the annual Christmas Parade, the city's parking downtown was put to the test.
"The Christmas parade doesn't start till 7 [p.m. ]and we literally left school at 4:30 [p.m.] to make sure we get parking on time," Leah Fillinger, a UT student, said.
With the closure of roads downtown, cars scattered to the remaining parking spots available.
"My go-to garage is our State Street and Market Square because they're like close to Gay Street and Market Square," Fillinger said.
The City of Knoxville's Chief Policy Officer Cheryl Ball said it's important for the city to hear from the public.
"The city is really committed to listening to our residents," Ball said. "And we think it's very important to have the opportunity for the public to tell us what they prioritize what is important to them."
Some of the survey's topics include parking affordability, the main reasons for driving downtown and where you live. Community members said they hope to see things like safety and accessibility taken into account.
"We are college students and I don't want to pay for parking if I already have to go out and spend money on gas and... to eat out," Reana Ortez, a UT student, said. "But I think also what's important is my safety as well."
If you are interested in taking the survey, you can visit the city's website here.