El Pasoans use parking tips and tricks to make their way downtown on busy weekend

With thousands of people heading downtown over the weekend, El Pasoans sometimes had a hard time finding where to leave their cars and enjoy the festivals.

“It took us like a half an hour to look around but it was, well it’s completely full. So we decided to park all the way to the courthouse and then come walking,” said Ray Lea, who was visiting Chalk the Block with his children and grandkids.

Others decided to not even try to enter downtown, they parked in places like Sunset Heights.

“We actually like the walk downtown, and sometimes we just find it more convenient to park up here, short five minute walk, and then we get to see the sights along the way,” said Fabricio Saucedo, who parked in Sunset Heights.

Walking distance isn’t the only option. The Sun Bowl Garage isn’t exactly close, but was a choice some took.

Those taking the trolley had to pay the same $10 for parking as anyone who chose to park downtown. The difference, we were told, is being more secure that there will be open spaces the farther you are from the middle of it all.

With family events strollers can be a big factor. While some want to keep their baby carriers close for easy access, others prefer to lower costs where they can.

“We’d honestly just rather not pay anything at all, and a stroller is on wheels, so we don’t mind walking it,” said Emily Muñoz, whose baby brother uses stroller.

Those who chose to take their chances and park in the downtown garages told us things weren’t as bad as expected, leaving them just one block from all the art and music.

“We waited only about ten minutes. We came around from the other side of the stadium, drove around, but it took us about ten minutes,” said Jesus Martinez after he parked downtown.

Chalk the Block continues Sunday and that means you don’t have to pay the parking meters. That’s one cheaper way you can enjoy the day and wonderful weather.

KVIA 2019