The TCU parking situation holds two main issues. The first is lack of spaces, meaning a shortage of places to park on campus. This leads to students missing or being late to classes and cars being parked illegally, and in front of peoples homes. The other main issue with the current TCU parking situation is the lack of covered parking. In Texas hail becomes a major issue around spring time. The lack of covered parking, causes hail to take a toll on cars that are parked on campus. The solution to both major issues, to me seems relatively simple. We need to construct a parking garage. A parking garage would provide both covered parking, allowing protection from extreme weather, and more parking spots. Now at this point your probably thinking, that sounds fine and good but how do we fund it. Well a parking garage would cost an estimated 10 million 150 thousands dollars (this is covered in greater depth in my previous post). When reviewing parts of our schools budget with hopes of finding either an extra 10 million dollars, or an expense that we currently pay that is unnecessary and holds enough value to meet the expensive requirement of the structure, I came up short handed. So my solution is donors. Last year donors contributed 105 million dollars for the construction of a massive new stadium. Now I am not opposed to this, however I am willing to bet that if TCU tried it could find donations for a new parking garage. In order for this too happen we need the board to reach out to alumni. I feel that the board should post information on the issue in our alumni magazine as well as send out emails both explaining the issue, providing estimates, and asking for donations from alumni. I love TCU and will bleed purple to my death, which is why I feel a parking garage is necessary. It will not only better our school, but also show that TCU recognizes the issue and cares for the quality of the college experience its students have.
