Parking Woes: George Fox University Faces Space Shortages Amid Construction

Reported by Jayden Forsyth

Photographed by Allison Martinet

Since the start of the 2024 fall semester, George Fox University (GFU) has faced significant parking shortages due to ongoing construction and an influx of students, causing frustration and safety concerns for drivers.

Among the hardest-hit areas are the parking lots near Brandt and Pennington Halls, where both dorms have lost spaces due to construction or overcrowding.

In an attempt to address the parking challenges, GFU opened a temporary gravel lot near the baseball field. While this has helped to some extent, it has also sparked complaints from Brandt Hall residents who now face long walks to their cars.

“The closest parking spot for me is the baseball field lot, and it’s a walk. If it’s at night, I’m not walking all that way—even with a friend,” said one anonymous Brandt resident.

Additionally, confusion has arisen over the use of Brandt’s front parking lot, which residents note was once available for them but is now reserved for commuters and staff.

“I definitely think it’s a problem, especially because this parking space in front of Brandt is only for commuters and grad students. That parking lot would’ve been so helpful to have as a resident here,” the anonymous resident added.

Pennington Hall has also been impacted, with half of its parking lot fenced off and demolished due to construction. This has forced many students to seek alternative parking.

“Finding a convenient space has become harder,” said Michael Strock, a Pennington Hall resident. “The gravel lot is an emergency option, but it’s close to a mile away from my dorm.”

The overall number of parking spaces on campus continues to shrink, with much of Pennington Hall’s lot being replaced by the new cinematic arts building. Part of the Stevens Center lot is also closed for construction, leaving students to park on surrounding streets, often a considerable distance from campus.

Construction projects began at the start of the semester, exacerbating the parking crisis at an already inconvenient time. GFU’s Parking Operations Coordinator did not respond to requests for comments at the time this article was written.