As Panthers return to in-person school, Juniors and Seniors who have very little parking experience find themselves dumbfounded with Prep’s parking arrangements. Mr. Burks is handing out JUG to confused drivers for parking violations like Oprah handing out cashmere sweaters to audience members and Mr. Stearns tirelessly continues to remind students of the rules.  

Our underground parking garage, installed on campus in the 1990s, replaced the old above-ground parking garage that occupied the space where Ignatius Hall now exists. It features more than 200 parking spots, yet it can be hard to use and navigate without guidance.  

First and foremost, the Prep parking garage is exclusive to faculty and students with carpools of 4 people or more. Dean of Students, Mr. Stearns, explains, “Students apply for spots using an online form and we do our best to accommodate everyone’s requests.”  

However, parking in the garage can feel intimidating to many students, so Stearns recommends to: “Take it slow when you are backing up and use your mirrors!” As it is a common occurrence that damage occurs in the garage. Stearns continues to explain that “There is a lot of yellow paint that leaves the garage attached to student’s cars. At least once a week, someone hits something.” Therefore, Stearns recommends that if a student is having trouble, “Please come find me, Mr. Burks, or Mr. Chism. We are here to help you. Although it may be a stressful situation, we can help you work through all the steps of dealing with a collision or accident.”  

Stearns recounts the time when Prep graduate, Grace Weiand ‘20, “Mashed her car so tightly against a pole on the first day of school that I had to get in there and help get the car free.” Weiand then went on to be elected ASB president.  

So, how about those who don’t have carpools or don’t want to park in the garage? This is where it gets tricky. The neighborhood that borders Prep is off limits for student parking. These streets are marked by 2-hour restricted parking zone signs, and only residents with a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) Permit can park on those streets, even if a student plans to be parked there for less than 2 hours. The northern border of the RPZ is E Boston Street and the western border is 10th Ave E. Both of these streets and anything outside of them can be used for student parking.  

Another option that many may find easier that’s new for this year is parking at St. Patrick’s church next to Roanoke Park. Prep has shuttles set up that will transport students up to the school from the parking lot in the morning. “The walk in the morning can be long and sometimes cold if you don’t take the shuttle. There are always (parking) spots at the church, though.” Reflects Andrew Metcalf ‘23 on his experience parking at St. Patrick’s.  

It is important, when parking outside of the garage, to obey normal parking laws. “Parking illegally and parking in the RPZ will get students an afternoon of JUG,” Explains Stearns. SDOT has a helpful guide online that outlines where you can and cannot park on the street called “Can I Park Here?” 

Another thing to be considerate of are basic driving etiquette around Prep, as “Our school is in a residential neighborhood, and we are trying to be good neighbors.” Says Stearns. Actions such as driving too fast, blasting music, or being on your phone while driving could result in JUG. “Taking a left turn out of the garage is an easy way to get JUG at Prep,” he adds, “I know that driving is a lot of fun for teenagers. But take it slow and be careful. Things can go horribly wrong, and people can get badly hurt if you are not paying attention.”