Let’s talk about parking lots. They may not be a hot or trending topic, but they are important to homeowners and visitors. There’s more that goes into maintaining parking lots than just providing a patch of road or stone to park on. You need to consider some other aspects.
Lighting
Of course, homeowners and visitors aren’t going to need bright lights during the day in a parking lot, but they should have them at night. People using the lots want to feel safe walking through them even when the sun has set. These lights can even help prevent car thefts. So make sure that there are plenty of lights and that burnt-out bulbs get replaced in a timely fashion.
Condition
How does the pavement look in your parking lot? When pavement cracks, bubbles, or has potholes in it, the risk of slip and fall accidents increases exponentially. And it would be very bad for the association if someone sued following an injury. Not to mention, poorly maintained parking areas are bad for curb appeal.
Parking lines
It should be easy to identify where each parking space is. Make sure that the parking lots are repainted as needed. Lines shouldn’t be faded or hard to decipher.
Safe shade
Shade is great in a parking lot. It can help cars stay cooler and provide comfort for people walking through the lot. Many shade options also provide curb appeal.
Be careful with what shade options you choose. Some shrubs and trees grow rapidly, which can make them a pain to maintain. You may want to consider a structure, such as a parking overhang. If that’s not an option, consider planting trees in a line with plenty of room between each one to allow for growth. (A landscaper can make recommendations that align with your association’s climate and location.)
Signage
Make it easy for homeowners and visitors to know the rules. You should have clear signage up. Handicap spaces should be clearly identified. If you have specialty parking spots, they should also be marked. And, if there are areas that people shouldn’t be parking, that needs to be clearly spelled out as well.
Parking lots are just one aspect of creating a beautiful, homey and happy community. At PMI, we’d love to help you improve your homeowner’s association. Please reach out to us to learn about what we can offer your community. Visit our website to learn more about our services and offerings. PMI Prince William.
