Practicality is a word that highlights the difference between an idea and the actual usability of the idea. It is an important word to consider when creating something, especially in a time of change. Unfortunately, when looking at the current situation regarding the limited availability of parking spaces on the UTSA Main Campus, out of all the words to describe the current situation, “practical” is one of the last ones to come to mind.
At first glance, one may think there are many available parking spaces at UTSA as there are multiple parking garages and lots throughout the campus. Although this is true, one of the real reasons for the lack of parking is not something that can be concluded with a short campus tour.
The real reason for the sudden lack of parking is that in 2023, UTSA saw the largest freshman class in the university’s history and broke that record again in the 2024 fall semester. Because of this, it is obvious that UTSA has seen a significant increase in the use of the campus facilities, yet, the biggest problem remains the parking. This issue causes students to be late to class, walk far distances in hot weather and waste valuable time. Some students who commute to school daily have resorted to parking at La Cantera, a mall 1.6 miles away from the center of campus. This is not practical and students should not have to rely on this.
Many may argue that adding more parking to the campus will decrease the appeal of the campus from a visual perspective. To this, many others would agree. Adding more parking to the campus could mean the loss of some of the natural aspects. These areas are valued especially in places where much greenery and colorful landscaping cannot survive.
Parking garages and lots are truly not the most appealing things to look at. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to this concern. Many local artists in San Antonio Would love to create pieces for the UTSA campus. Creating murals, sculptures, and interest from a visual perspective would unquestionably aid in making these new areas not only more personal to the campus but more appealing to the eye.
Hopefully, UTSA is working on correcting this miscalculation for the future incoming classes as it is a nuisance for the students who currently attend school here. Because of this issue many students would agree that the student body would appreciate a wider and more available variety of on campus parking.
