EXCLUSIVE: North Park Gets New Parking Lot After Outrage Over Parking Ticket

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A tree falls in the woods at North Park, a big tree right in the middle of what will soon be a parking lot.

That parking lot will be located right across from the North Park Boathouse.

"We have to manage our growth," says County Manager William McCain.v

McCain gave KDKA an aerial view of what all of the parking changes at North Park will look like. Much of it should be done by the end of this week.

"We studied a lot of options with the county police and the parks," he said.

McCain says nearly 100 new parking spots will be available – and access to more than 150 total spots at the boathouse.

"We want you to come to our parks, we want you to enjoy yourself," McCain said. "We want you to also have the convenience of parking near our amenities, enjoy yourself, have a great time with your family and come back again."

Not such a good feeling for people at North Park in the last few weeks. Some people were complaining about county police officers giving them parking tickets for up to $400 – including a National Guard member who was there for a Wounded Warriors run and walk.

"To block people in is just unbelievable. I couldn't believe it when I walked up and had a ticket on my car," said Pennsylvania National Guard Major Mike Clark. "I definitely don't think it's the way to treat people who are up there, especially participating in the event who are wounded warriors."

County Council will vote on the $400 ticket this week. They're expected to change the ordinance to enforce $50 parking tickets at the park, rather than several hundred dollars.

If you'd like Marty to help you solve your problem, email him at GetMarty@kdka.com.

RELATED LINKS
Get Marty: Fitzgerald Promises Change After Wounded Vets Get Parking Tickets
Get Marty: Man Gets $370 Ticket For Parking On County Grass

Join The Conversation, Like KDKA On Facebook
Follow KDKA On Twitter