The city of Gainesville has announced plans to implement a paid-parking system for select street-level parking spots in downtown Gainesville by spring 2025.
The new system will utilize the “ParkGVL” app, a pay-by-mobile platform designed to promote parking turnover by discouraging long-term use of spaces, particularly around the downtown square. The app will require drivers to pay based on their intended duration of stay, making it easier for motorists to access parking for shorter periods.
“Despite the city continuing to offer free, untimed and covered parking in the Main Street and Gainesville North parking decks, we have for many years observed drivers occupying parking spaces directly on the square and side streets for extended periods of time – throughout the day and evening,” Gainesville City Manager Bryan Lackey said. “I’d even go as far to say that sometimes we observe the same vehicles occupying spaces for six, seven, even eight hours straight or longer.”
Through the ParkGVL app, users will be able to park by scanning a QR code, inputting their license plate and vehicle details, and selecting the parking zone. In addition to using the app, drivers can also opt to pay via text message to a designated number.
Lackey emphasized that the goal of the new system is not to generate revenue but to promote fair use of parking spaces, ensuring that the spots remain available for those visiting downtown businesses.
“When it comes down to it, these parking spaces are intended for those coming into town to support downtown restaurants, retailers and service providers,” Lackey said. “By implementing a semi-hourly rate, our hope is those who intend to use these spaces to enjoy a meal, grab coffee with a friend or do a little shopping won’t mind paying an additional $1-$2 to support their favorite small business(es). This system is not structured to serve as a revenue generator, but to discourage those who plan to stay for great lengths of time – either most of or the entire day – from taking these spots and instead utilizing our free parking decks, which are well within walking distance to any destination on the square.”
The new system will affect spaces along Bradford Street, Brenau Avenue, Broad Street, Green Street, Main Street, Maple Street, Spring Street, and Washington Street. Paid parking is expected to begin by early May, pending approval from the Gainesville City Council. Signs indicating the new system will be installed as early as April. For more details, residents and visitors can consult the proposed Gainesville Downtown Parking Map & Guide.
In addition to paid parking, the city will continue to offer free parking in the Main Street and Gainesville North parking decks, which are within walking distance of the square. The paid system will only affect about 15% of public parking spaces in downtown Gainesville, with the percentage decreasing further when accounting for additional free parking provided by the Hall County Parking Facility.
The rates for the new system will include a charge of 25 cents for every half-hour of parking, up to two hours. After the first two hours, the rate will increase to $4 per hour until midnight. There will be no fees from midnight to 7 a.m.
Dilshan Singh, Founder and CEO of Refined Parking Solutions, echoed Lackey’s vision, emphasizing that effective parking management is about enhancing access to downtown businesses.
“Effective parking management isn’t about generating more revenue – it’s about creating access,” Singh said. “By increasing parking turnover and ensuring availability, cities like Gainesville are making it easier for residents and visitors to support local businesses, dine, shop and enjoy everything their communities have to offer. At ParkDNA, we are proud to provide technology that helps cities and operators create a seamless, user-friendly parking experience that ultimately strengthens local economies and enhances community vibrancy. We’re honored to collaborate with the City of Gainesville on this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on local businesses and the community.”
The city anticipates that the paid parking system will alleviate congestion, support local businesses, and create a more seamless experience for those visiting the historic district.
For more information on the project and the ParkGVL app, visit the city of Gainesville’s official website.
