By Lauren Lewis
Students circling around campus searching for the perfect parking space will soon have a few more options: one of 300 spaces in a new Y-parking lot on Bulldog Boulevard.
Construction on the site of the former Senior MTC has begun, and the result will be a large, beautiful parking lot for the convenience of the campus community. Beautiful may not seem fitting for a description of a concrete lot, but the objective is to create a more attractive place to park, said Roy Peterman, director of BYU grounds maintenance.
?We want to create a beautiful, functional parking lot for BYU and the community,? Peterman said.
In June, BYU was awarded champion of the campus division in the America in Bloom contest. But Peterman said the University did nothing special to receive the award ? it is simply the goal of BYU grounds to create inspiring, attractive structures.
Another goal for the new parking lot is to reduce parking on the streets surrounding campus. In recent months, Provo homeowners have become increasingly displeased at the situation, Peterman said. He suggests that the BYU community evaluate their choice of where to park and choose campus parking.
?Is it legal for people to park on the street? Yes,? Peterman said. ?Is it right for people to park in every single space? No. It?s disrespectful.?
The new parking lot will be available for use at the end of this month. In addition to 300 parking spaces, it will feature landscaping and trees to provide shade. It will also be located relatively close to campus, directly east of Baskin-Robbins on Bulldog Boulevard. This will provide easy access to such west campus buildings as the Tanner and Richards Buildings.
Carri Jenkins, university spokesperson, said the new parking lot will be convenient for students, faculty and staff.
Many students are excited at the prospect of more parking.
?It?s awesome that we?re getting a new parking lot,? said Austyn Smith, 21.
Smith and her husband live in Orem, which requires them to drive to campus each day. Because most lots are filled by 8 a.m. each morning, she said she is excited about the prospect of more parking options.
?If we had to park at the Marriott Center all the time, it would make me want to quit school,? Smith said jokingly.
