Free Parking in Downtown Grand Rapids Ends Monday

Goodbye, free parking.

There are two things I have liked about being quarantined: sleeping in and free parking Downtown. I work in Downtown G.R. and being able to park in front of my building has been nice and extremely convenient. If you work or have visited downtown in the last few months then you get it. But it was fun while it lasted.

Beginning Monday, July 6 parking enforcement will resume after a temporary break to help businesses in the downtown area during the coronavirus pandemic. This also applies to pay stations and metered parking. The reminders have already started showing up on sidewalks.

The City of Grand Rapids is giving local businesses the opportunity to apply for up to 100 free parking validations that they can use for their staff and customers.

The move is aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to support local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

If you're a business owner Downtown or in the neighborhood, you can sign up here or by calling 311 or (616) 456-3000 between 8a-5p Monday through Friday. You'll get a response back within 1-2 business days.

In May, the city commission approved up to $25,000 in Motu parking validations to businesses. Another perk, the validations don't expire.

The next time you visit Downtown Grand Rapids, make sure to ask the business you're visiting if they're participating in the free parking zone program.

When parking downtown, you can use the Motu app to pay from your phone.