Downtown Wichita has almost 24,000 parking spaces. Despite this large supply, many visitors mistakenly believe that parking is not readily available or convenient. While the parking system can be confusing for the first time user, Downtown Wichita has a range of options to meet parking needs for short-term and long-term users. The following is an overview of the parking system.

On Street Parking: Downtown has approximately 1,700 on-street parking spaces. While anyone can park in these spaces, users must be aware that most have time limitations. The time limits are in place to make sure that these spaces are available and used for short term visits to stores, restaurants or offices.

On street parking on Douglas Street and on the side streets one block to the north and south is free for a limited amount of time. In most cases, two hours is the maximum although certain blocks have shorter time periods. Always look for a sign that specifies the time limit.

Parking meters are used in other areas of Downtown to help insure spaces are available for many users. Most parking meters accept nickels, dimes and quarters and they have varying time limits ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

On street parking is enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meters and lots around Century II and the Library are enforced seven days a week until 11:00 p.m., with the exception of holidays.

When parking on the street, users must be aware of no parking zones. These include alleys, loading zones (which are reserved for commercial vehicles), bus stops, pedestrian crosswalks, driveways and other similar uses. These prohibited parking areas are identified with signs and may also be designated with a yellow-painted curb. Of course, vehicles are also prohibited from blocking fire hydrants or using spaces reserved for the disabled.

Off Street Parking: The majority of parking is in off street, surface parking lots or garages. Many of these lots and garages allow daily public parking, however, some do not. To help find lots that allow short term, public parking, visitors should look for blue signs with the internationally recognized parking symbol. Daily or short term parking is generally prohibited in lots or garages that are designated as private, reserved or monthly parking only.

Customer and Client Parking: Many businesses offer free parking for their customers and clients in either off-street lots or garages. This arrangement usually identifies visitor parking spaces with signs and are often close to building entrances. Business and property owners monitor parking at these locations and non-customers can receive tickets or be towed if they use the space inappropriately.

Almost every garage in Downtown Wichita allows hourly parking for customers, clients and visitors. Many businesses will validate receipts to provide free parking for their customers or clients. Always check ahead with the business to find out if they validate and the process or requirements.

Employee Parking: Downtown workers have a variety of parking options. As most employees do not need frequent access during the day to their vehicle, many workers park at off street lots or garages. While there is usually a fee associated with these lots, users are guaranteed a parking spot and have various price and convenience options. Off-street parking costs can range from $20 to $75 per month.

Businesses vary on employee parking assistance. Some companies provide parking for workers while others leave the issue to individual employees to decide. Regardless of the case, parking can be leased on a daily or monthly basis and most lots have contact information for parking operators. Lots available for lease typically provide a discounted rate for monthly parkers.

Private Parking: A number of parking lots are owned and used by individual businesses or companies. Some of these lots are available for lease on a monthly basis. In these private lots, public or hourly parking is not allowed. When entering a lot, be sure to look for signs about the public use of the space. Downtown visitors should not use a lot that is posted as private.

Parking in Old Town Parking: Old Town is the region’s premier entertainment district that also includes offices and residential users. To address parking issues, the City of Wichita and the Old Town property and business owners collaboratively provide free, unlimited public parking in all lots and garages within the district. When visiting shops, restaurants, clubs, offices or other attractions in Old Town, users can feel comfortable parking in any of the district’s parking facilities.

Parking Enforcement: The City of Wichita has an Ambassador program that provides hospitality, tourism and public safety services to citizens and visitors. As part of this mission, the Ambassadors also circulate throughout Downtown and monitor on-street parking and some off-street lots.

Although they provide parking enforcement services, the Ambassadors are also specially trained to help both citizens and visitors with questions or problems. They can call for help if your vehicle breaks down, provide directions to businesses and attractions, hand out maps and guides, help find parking and even offer dining recommendations. To find an Ambassador, look for the small electric cars or call (316) 337-9200.

Parking Operators: Most off-street lots and garages are managed by professional firms who are responsible for leasing and maintaining the facility. Some lots, however, are owned and managed by churches, non-profit groups or private individuals. Contact information for leasing space is typically displayed at the lot. While not an exhaustive list, the following firms manage multiple parking facilities in Downtown Wichita.
• Ampco (316) 265-4209
• Garvey Center Parking (316) 261-5325
• Parking Inc. (316) 641-5695

Need More Help: Contact the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation at (316) 264-6005 for more information about parking in the center city.