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Lack of parking spaces raising concerns near new water park in N - WDRB 41 Louisville News
 Lack of parking spaces raising concerns near new water park in New Albany

By Fallon Glick
Follow @FallonGlick NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- On a hot summer day there is no doubt the River Run Family Water Park will be packed, but as the popularity grows, so do the problems.

“There just isn't enough parking for all the patrons,” Joe Kraft said.

It’s something the City of New Albany isn't denying.

“The parking is a concern right now,” said New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan.

The park holds more than 1,200 people, but when it comes to parking spaces, Mayor Gahan says there are only 165 -- leaving park goers to find an alternate spot.

“So now they're just parking all over the place,” said Kraft.

When this main lot gets full, neighbors say cars park in front of their homes on both sides of the road. Some even parking in their grass and blocking in their driveways.

“On a busy day, there is not a place to even park anywhere on Coyle Drive or on any of the other side streets around the water park,” said Kraft.

Holy Family Catholic Church, which sits across the street from the park has also struggled with people parking in its lot. Weekend services happen at the busiest time for the park.

“We've had to have staff out watching the lot and putting cones up and putting signage up to make sure we have enough parking,” said Kraft.

The temporary solution to the problem comes in the form of a five minute walk down the road to a makeshift lot with about 50 parking spaces.

“I don't want the neighbors to be inconvenienced, but at the same time I don't want to drive anybody away from our park,” said Mayor Gahan.

He adds the area in front of the park can be made into parking spaces.

“We also have some additional space right next to the fire house, which is city property. We have options we just haven't exercised them yet,” said Mayor Gahan.

The water park is expected to close in late August or early September so the new parking areas won't be available until next year. Until then the mayor is asking people to be patient.

More: New Albany's River Run water park officially opens to public

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