Universities often host a wide variety of camps throughout the year, ranging from STEM programs to sports camps. These camps, which usually run over multiple days, bring a unique set of parking challenges, particularly for parents who need flexible parking options when dropping off and picking up their kids. Without an efficient system in place, managing parking for parents and guests can become a logistical headache for Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) teams.
The parking challenge for kids camps
When hosting kids camps, the primary parking challenge stems from the need for flexibility. Parents often need to park for short periods to walk their child to the camp venue or pick them up at the end of the day. In some cases, parents may arrive early and stay to watch part of the camp, requiring extended parking access.
Providing a seamless and complimentary parking experience is essential, but many universities struggle with the tools needed to manage this effectively. Traditional parking solutions—such as physical permits, coupon codes at pay stations, or promo codes for mobile-pay apps—are cumbersome for guests and difficult for TAPS to administer. Additionally, universities using License Plate Recognition (LPR) for enforcement need an easy-to-use, virtual solution to streamline the process.
Managing parking for a kids STEM camp
Imagine a university department hosting a Kids STEM Camp from October 6-9, 2024. With 25 children signed up for the camp, the department wants to offer complimentary parking permits to parents. However, they also want to limit the number of active parking permits to avoid congestion in campus lots.
How Offstreet streamlines kids camp parking
Offstreet provides the ideal solution for managing parking at kids camps. By allowing parents to pre-register for parking and leveraging a flexible, virtual permit system, Offstreet simplifies the process for both TAPS and guests.
- Pre-registration: Parents can register for their parking permits in advance of the camp using a link provided by the department. This ensures they are prepared ahead of time and eliminates confusion on the day of the event.
- Guest checkout flow: With Offstreet’s easy-to-use web-based registration page, parents can register their vehicle by simply entering their license plate number. No app downloads or user accounts are required, making the process quick and convenient.
- License plate-based virtual permits: Once registered, parents receive a virtual permit linked to their license plate. This eliminates the need for physical permits or pay stations, ensuring a hassle-free experience for guests.
- Guest communication features: Offstreet automatically sends confirmation emails with clear instructions, directions, and parking information, reducing uncertainty and ensuring smooth coordination.
- API integrations with LPR: Offstreet integrates with the campus’s existing LPR system, ensuring that vehicles are automatically recognized as having valid permits. This helps avoid citations and creates a stress-free experience for parents.
The setup is easy!
Implementing Offstreet for kids camps is a straightforward process that allows universities to quickly and efficiently set up a parking solution that works for parents, guests, and TAPS. The steps include:
- Configuration: Offstreet’s team works closely with the university to configure the platform according to specific parking needs. This includes setting up user accounts, permit registration settings, and uploading parking locations.
- Integration: Offstreet integrates seamlessly with the university’s existing enforcement infrastructure, including LPR systems and pay station software, ensuring smooth operations without disrupting other services.
- Staff training: Offstreet provides comprehensive training for staff to ensure they are comfortable managing the platform and assisting guests.
- Rollout: The solution is gradually rolled out to departments, with tips and best practices shared to help ensure a successful implementation.
- Billing: Offstreet generates detailed reports on parking usage, which are billed back to the relevant department through the university’s internal billing system.
A better parking experience for everyone
Offstreet delivers significant benefits for universities, TAPS, and parents attending kids camps.
- Optimized operations: By allowing parents to self-register for parking, Offstreet reduces the administrative workload for TAPS, streamlines enforcement, and makes it easy to accommodate last-minute parking requests.
- Improved stakeholder relations: Offering a smooth parking experience leaves a positive impression on parents and guests, especially those visiting the campus for the first time. Faster, more efficient parking processes create a better experience for all stakeholders.
- Increased compliance: Offstreet’s easy-to-use platform makes it simpler for guests to follow parking rules, leading to more accurate data collection and reducing misuse or fraud.
Make parking for kids camps seamless with Offstreet
Hosting kids camps should be about creating enriching experiences for children, not about dealing with parking challenges. Offstreet’s streamlined, virtual parking solution helps universities manage parking for parents and guests more efficiently, improving the overall experience for everyone involved.
Interested in simplifying parking for your campus events? Discover how Offstreet can help.
