Michelle Hoffman shares about the best parking practices.
The best parking spot is truly a matter of perspective. I like a parking spot that’s easy to get into, but even more importantly, it leaves me an efficient and safe exit. I don’t mind the extra steps, and truth be told, on a nice day I might park a little further from my intended destination to enjoy the stroll. On the other hand, my mother’s ideal spot is the one closest to the door she intends to enter.
Due to her limited mobility, she has access to handicap parking, but in today’s aging society, at the doctors’ office or drug store, those limited spaces are rarely open. So, she’ll cruise the lot looking for the next best option and often times will judge how good a day she had based on her parking success. Sharing this story with a friend the other morning, she said: “We are lucky we have such good parking here in Napa.”
“Huh? Define good parking,” I prodded.
“Free and abundant,” she said. Wow, a whole other viewpoint. When my mom comes to visit me, she’ll normally sit in the car and wait while I run errands, since I can’t get close enough and she doesn’t want to brave the curbs, sidewalk cracks and extra blocks. Recently learning of residents’ parking challenges in New York City and even closer in San Francisco where street sweepers, parklets and sheer volume turns parking into a part-time job reminds me that we do have it pretty good, especially for those of us who can safely walk the extra steps.