Parking Lot Expansion Aims To Attract Bigger Sports Events To UMW

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Project developers increased the size of a parking lot on University of Mary Washington's (UMW) campus by eight times its original size as part of a plan to relieve tight parking conditions on Hanover Street during university athletic events. The parking lot project, a joint effort of UMW and the City of Fredericksburg, also is designed to improve the attractiveness of the university's Battlefield Athletic Complex for tournament use and economic development opportunities.

University and Fredericksburg officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 22 to mark the completion of the parking lot project. Mary Washington President Troy Paino joined Fredericksburg City Council member Tim Duffy in cutting the symbolic ribbon tied between city and university vehicles.

The size of the original 16-space lot, with a single handicap spot, was increased to accommodate 129 spaces, with five handicap spots. UMW spent about $930,000 on the project, which included a $315,000 contribution from the city. Construction of the expanded parking lot began in July and was completed in late October.

The expanded lot, which is also open to the public, offers students and parents a convenient place to park along Hanover Street when athletic events are in progress.