Downtown Parking Study

Troutdale’s historic downtown and Glenn Otto Park are key community destinations—for locals, visitors, and tourists exploring the Columbia River Gorge. As Troutdale continues to grow and attract more residents, businesses, and visitors, parking pressure has become an increasingly important issue.

The City launched this parking study to:

• Understand current parking availability and demand in the downtown core and Glenn Otto Park.
• Identify hotspots of congestion and underused areas.
• Plan for future development and visitor trends without sacrificing accessibility or walkability.
• Support a balance between economic vitality, residential needs, and tourism.
• Explore sustainable options like shuttles, shared-use lots, and better wayfinding.

In short, this study lays the groundwork for smart, responsive parking policies that help Troutdale thrive without compromising its character or livability.

On Street Parking

• System-wide usage remains well below capacity—peak occupancy reached 53% on weekdays (12 PM) and 49% on weekends (1 PM).
• Problem zones included SE Dora Ave, SE Kibling St, and SE Harlow Ave, where parking was over 85% full during peak periods.
• Stay durations were high in residential and unrestricted areas, with low turnover. Time-limited areas saw some overstay (up to 29%).

Off Street Parking

• Glenn Otto Park lot consistently exceeded capacity in summer (93–96% full at peak hours).
• Downtown lots were busier on weekdays (up to 77% full), but many saw low usage on weekends.

As Troutdale continues to develop:

• Up to 20 downtown properties are expected to redevelop, often without private parking.
• If growth follows a “suburban” pattern, parking demand may exceed supply by 60+ stalls by 2044.
• A more compact, urban-style growth model could avoid that shortfall—but only if managed proactively.
• To maintain ~15% vacancy during peak periods (ideal for smooth parking turnover), Troutdale may need to plan for 25–186 additional stalls over the next two decades.

To make downtown and Glenn Otto Park more accessible and efficient, the study proposes several strategies:

1. Strengthen Time Limit Zones & Enforcement
   Add clearer signage and consistent enforcement to improve turnover and reduce misuse of short-term spaces.
    
2. Improve Utilization of Existing Lots
   Encourage better use of underutilized downtown lots with improved signage, shared-use agreements, or dynamic pricing.
    
3. Expand Supply Thoughtfully
   Use real-time data collection to guide targeted expansions—balancing needs without overbuilding.
    
4. Develop Park-and-Ride + Shuttle Options
   Align with the Sandy River Shuttle Feasibility Study to reduce demand at Glenn Otto Park and provide car-free access to natural areas.
    

This study is just the beginning. The City of Troutdale will use the findings to:

• Engage with residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Test pilot strategies (like time limits or signage).
• Integrate data into long-range planning.
• Coordinate with regional efforts to boost mobility and reduce vehicle congestion.
   

For full visuals and detailed data, visit the interactive Downtown Troutdale Parking Study Story Map.