VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — If you're trying to sneak more beach trips in before the temperatures cool down, Virginia Beach wants to make it easier for you to visit the Oceanfront.
The city is starting it's free on-street parking along most of Atlantic Avenue. Since they launched a pilot program last year offering free parking, they're doing it all again this year.
Except this time, they're extending the time and offering more parking.
Beginning Oct. 1, drivers can park anywhere from 6th to 38th Streets for free for two hours between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
The city has added 13 more blocks of parking along with an additional hour of free parking. Last year, they only offered free one-hour parking from 6th Street to 25th Street.
City officials ask that you be wary for signs and pavement markings and park in designated spaces. Hours will adjust in November to accommodate the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights Merry Mile event.
The Atlantic Avenue Association President George Kotarides said they worked with the city to get extended hours.
"We love it. We’ve worked really hard to accomplish this for the community,” Kotarides said.
Kotarides and other businesses believe the free parking will help them during the slower tourist seasons.
"Of course that’s going to benefit the businesses, but it also creates a positive and fun vibe down here.”
Locals and visitors alike agree that free parking is a win-win.
“I think it definitely will help the small shops out there, small restaurants," said visitor Gary Newman.
Mary Lou Pereira is visiting Virginia Beach for the first time. She's in town, from Boston and told 13News Now the free parking helps visitors like her explore more of the beach.
“I’m going to take advantage of the street parking. So tomorrow I’m going to see the other half of the boardwalk before my turn around. Thank you so much.”
Virginia Beach local Brock Martin said he thinks it's a good way to bring the community together.
"It’s a great way to bring everyone together. Kind of a perfect mesh of community and business.”
Free Parking Schedule:
- Between 15th and 38th streets:
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Oct. 1, 2019 through April 1, 2020
- Between 6th and 15th streets:
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Oct. 1 through Nov. 21, 2019
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, 2019 (to accommodate queuing for BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights Merry Mile)
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Jan. 1 through April 1, 2020