Problems with Parking

Going to a school with 1800 other students definitely has its advantages. There are more class options, lunch choices, teachers, resources, and sports just to name a few. To go along with the numerous advantages are a few disadvantages. Things such as crowded hallways, larger classes, longer lunch lines, and less one-on-one focus. One of the lingering issues here at Kennedy High School is the problems with parking.

There are two main parking lots at Kennedy in which students are allowed to park in. They are easily named the north lot and the south lot. The north lot is application based and only for seniors. The south lot on the other hand is open to any junior or senior who registers for a sticker at the beginning of the school year. The issues aren't typically involved in the north lot, its when things get complicated down south.

There is no limit to how many south lot stickers can be registered per year. This is the first issue because then there are undoubtedly more registered cars than there are parking spots. There seems to be no good solution for this, which is unfortunate. My suggestion would be to have an exact number of stickers and register them on a first come first serve basis. This would not be able to work because so many students get to school by car. You can't just turn students away with no place to park their car.

The churches around Kennedy High School have great systems going on. Typically it is sophomores who pay a small fee to park there each year. Ninety percent of the time this works out extremely well. The other 10 percent isn't so good. When the churches need their lots for something such as a funeral those students are told to park somewhere else. Where? No other place than the south lot. This does not go over well with the juniors and seniors who then have no place to park because their spot is now taken.

Problems with the limited parking have been going on for years and will most likely continue for more to come. Another suggestion that would result in multiple benefits is coordinating a carpool! There is nothing wrong with catching a ride to class or practice with a few friends. Not only does this cut down on the amount of cars that need a parking spot, but it saves gas and helps the environment too!