FREE metered street parking in Downtown Durango, Dec. 14-29

Free parking designed to encourage activity, facilitate meter up-grade

Durango, CO – To facilitate the City of Durango’s first phase of up-grading its parking meters in Downtown Durango, and also help stimulate activity during the holiday season, parking at all Downtown meters will be free from Saturday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

“This is a special holiday gift for our Downtown merchants, galleries and restaurants,” said Tim Walsworth, executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District (BID). “We appreciate the City of Durango coordinating their meter replacement project in conjunction with the ‘high’ shopping season in our community. We hope not having to plug the meters will enable locals and visitors alike to stay and enjoy Downtown longer.”

The BID’s seasonal umbrella promotion “HOLiDAZZLE,” promoting the dozens of events held in Durango over the holiday season, continues through the New Year, plus some 60-plus Downtown merchants are offering free gift drawings, with merchandise totaling more than $7,000. (Winners do not need to be present to win.)

“And our businesses have decorated their windows beautifully,” said Pam Glasco, BID community relations coordinator. “With the recent snow and the 100-ft. tree in Buckley Park lit with thousands of LED lights, Durango is a very special place to visit this year. Free parking makes it even better.”

The City’s meter replacement program, once complete, will introduce new, “high-tech” parking meters that will be more convenient for visitors to utilize. Replacement will involve only the meter heads (not the poles), so sidewalks will not be impacted with construction.

During the Dec. 14-29 period, the City reminds that parking regulations will be enforced in red and yellow zones, as well as spaces identified for handicap access. Parking in municipal lots will be unaffected with the special program, though parking is always free in these lots on weekends and weekdays after 5 p.m.

For further information on the parking meter replacement program, contact the City of Durango Parking Division at 970.375.4960.

For more information on the BID’s HOLiDAZZLE program and holiday events and activities in Durango, visit www.downtowndurango.org.