Supporting Your Community Using Empty Parking Lots

Throughout the pandemic, individuals have been stepping up to support local shops and restaurants. Aware of the economic impact caused by business closures and economic uncertainties, communities want to ensure the future success of independent shops and local retailers. 

For larger organizations, they may be wondering how they can also connect with, and support, their community. With many large office buildings sitting empty as smaller retailers and restaurateurs return to work, empty parking lots can actually be a huge help to small businesses. Wondering how you can take this asset and transform it into a tool for your community? Read on!

Providing Parking 

The most obvious use for a parking lot? Providing parking! 

With online shopping increasing, delivery services are becoming busier than ever. And with Black Friday, holidays and Boxing Day coming up, there’s no doubt that the need for these services will only increase. Empty parking lots can provide small retailers or delivery services space to store their fleets of delivery vehicles at a lower price. 

Using apps and technology services, businesses with empty parking spaces can start helping their community quickly and easily. These apps can be leveraged to match those in need of parking with already available spaces. They can also source parkers on behalf of the parking lot owners, reducing the efforts needed by the company. If you have extra parking spaces to offer, apps also have access to industry data that can help set fair prices that work for you and the community that you’re trying to support. 

Hosting Markets

The holiday season is upon us and with that, retail will be busier than ever. From now until December, there is the potential for shops to regain the income lost during pandemic closures – but only if they have the space to host shoppers. Holiday markets are a popular option for local shops to showcase their products in a festive setting, and can provide the ability for shoppers to physically distance. 

Organizations with empty lots can partner with local retailers, coffee shops and entrepreneurs to create an outdoor holiday market. Firepits and warm drinks can be provided to make the shopping experience more enjoyable. Organizations could even create family-friendly activities—such as crafts or skating—to give parents with young children the ability to enjoy their time.

Creating Patios

Although winter is rapidly approaching, fall is still a beautiful time in many states to enjoy patio weather. And with enclosed spaces providing greater risks of transmission for the COVID-19 virus, this year may make patios more popular than ever. Unfortunately, some restaurants don’t have their own patio, and there isn’t nearly enough sidewalk and road space to host tables. 

By partnering with local and nearby restaurants, parking lots can be used as an outdoor dining space. These extended patios can increase capacity while also allowing for physical distancing. In some major cities, this has already taken place, but as the COVID cases increase, patrons will be extra cautious, making this appealing throughout the fall. By placing heaters around the space, encouraging people to bring blankets or even putting up a tent, empty parking lots can be completely transformed into a fantastic dining space. 

Helping your Community

The holiday season is about giving back, and this year that’s particularly important. Forced business closures and economic uncertainties have put local businesses in a precarious position. By using empty parking spaces as assets to help the community, organizations can support their community businesses and shops survive the pandemic.