Berrien County tests new parking practices at Silver Beach

 

SAINT JOSEPH, Mich. -- Berrien County is working with the City of Saint Joseph to test new parking systems at Silver Beach County Park.

Neighbors raised concern to local commissions asking for a more efficient way of directing the flow of local traffic.

One of the solutions being tested is the implementation of pay as you leave parking.

Rather than beachgoers paying their parking rate when they enter the county park, the testing program has them paying on the way out during the weekend.

The county has seen several issues however, with some people staying in the lot until after the park closes and waiting for gate attendance to leave before exiting the park themselves.

As a result, County Administrator Brian Dissette says that the park lost $1600 over the Fourth of July weekend, and they expect a similar total from this past weekend.

The county is working with the city right now to come up with a solution to the problem and help the flow of traffic.

The program will remain implemented on the weekends through the end of the month of July.

The county had a consultant come to the park over the weekend to help figure out the best solutions as well.