The City of Waukesha is considering changes to parking regulations at Saratoga Park to better accommodate the growing number of softball tournaments held there. During a recent Building and Grounds meeting, city officials discussed a proposal to modify existing parking restrictions, which currently limit parking to two hours from 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. The suggested change would adjust these hours to two-hour parking from 8 AM to 4 PM, excluding weekends and holidays, allowing for more flexibility during tournament weekends.

Alderman Mannion highlighted that the request originated from the Parks and Recreation Department, which noted that strict enforcement of the current parking rules during recent tournaments led to numerous complaints from attendees. The enforcement, which had not been consistently applied in the past, coincided with a new Community Service Officer's diligence in ticketing vehicles, prompting the need for a review of the regulations.

The discussion revealed that the existing parking restrictions have been in place since the late 1970s but have not been actively enforced until recently. Some committee members expressed concerns about the necessity of these restrictions, particularly given the ample parking available at nearby businesses. They argued that removing the two-hour limit could enhance access for families attending games and tournaments, especially on weekends.

A motion was made to eliminate the two-hour parking restriction while maintaining existing no-parking zones. This change aims to support local events and encourage community engagement at the park. The committee is expected to follow up with the police department to ensure that the proposed changes will not lead to any unforeseen issues.

As Waukesha continues to host community events, the proposed adjustments to parking regulations at Saratoga Park reflect a commitment to enhancing accessibility and supporting local recreational activities. The city aims to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and event attendees as it moves forward with this initiative.