January 28, 2021 | Red Deer, AB – Parking fees will no longer be charged for events happening at Westerner Park. Instead, a small facility fee on each ticket will be implemented. The new fee structure will lower the overall cost to guests while helping keep Westerner Park financially sustainable.
Previously a $7.00 to $10.00 parking fee was charged per vehicle entering Westerner Park during major events. Also, there was a $1 facility fee on each event ticket. Moving forward, guests can now expect to see a $1.00 to $2.00 facility fee included on their event tickets. However, as the ticketing contracts were determined, and prices set in 2019 the 2022 World Juniors will be the only remaining event to have parking fees in place.
As a not-for-profit organization, Westerner Park invests all their earnings back into the improvements of their buildings, grounds and amenities. Westerner Park generates revenue for the sustainability of the organization and continued benefit to the community. The previous parking fee helped the organization to cover the ongoing maintenance of the large parking facilities, ensuring they are safe for their guests. In the new model, the modest facility fee combined with reducing the operating costs of parking administration will ensure the health of our facilities while also improving guest experience.
The public had commonly cited parking fees as a concern and was worried about the potential of rising costs. “We are continually looking for opportunities to enhance the value for our guests and to ensure that our community has a place to come together and celebrate,” says Mike Olesen, Chief Executive Officer. “The changes to our parking strategy is a benefit to our community and we feel it is one example of how we are increasing our value to our guests.”
Westerner Park has approximately 4,000 paved parking spaces in six main lots and 52 handicapped stalls; which can be increased if a particular event requires. Their parking lots are an ideal place to host large-scale outdoor functions and activities such as driver's training programs, vehicle shows and open-air markets. With over 21 different event venues and six different parking lots, there is always parking that is close to the event that guests are attending. Providing guests with clean, well-lit and ample parking continues to be a top priority.
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