Leavenworth removes free parking option in Freund Lot

LEAVENWORTH — The City of Leavenworth has removed the free parking option for Freund Lot, which is located next to the Howard Hopkins Memorial Pool.

Historically, the lot has been divided into a middle row of permit-only parking and a perimeter of outer stalls reserved for pool users during the summer months. During the off-season, these outer stalls provided free three-hour parking – one of the few free parking options in the vicinity of downtown.

These outer stalls now have a pay-to-park requirement, taking on the same rates as other nearby lots, such as Blewett and Aasgard. The middle row will remain reserved for permit-only parking; permit stalls are license-plate enforced 24/7, 365 days a year.

The city announced that the change took effect Oct. 1, and will be enforced until the beginning of the next pool season. During the summer months, the parking lot will resume reserving the stalls for pool users, which is indicated by a dash pass provided by the pool.

Similar to the city’s other pay-to-park options, payments for either hourly or all-day can be made by using the ParkMobile App (Zone #830042), by texting 'PARKCOL' to 727563, or by using the newly installed kiosk. Parking in the marked ADA stalls will remain free for vehicles displaying a valid disabled placard or plate. The lot does not allow overnight parking or camping; all cars must be out by 3 a.m.

The Enchantments Lot, located on the other side of Lions Club park (behind City Hall), still offers free, three-hour parking. However, drivers should make note of certain stalls that are reserved for staff, library users and electric vehicle charging. The library provides dash passes for library users parking in its designated stalls. Additionally, this lot is often turned into paid parking for local fundraisers starting October through the end of December.

Without leaving the downtown vicinity, the nearest free parking options are Waterfront and Enchantment Parks. Street-parking is also free before 9 a.m and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, and after 8 p.m. on weekends. Paid parking stalls have a 15-minute free grace period, but vehicles must be registered via kiosk or app. Vehicles with a valid disabled parking placard can park for free in regular on-street parking spaces or ADA-designated stalls in parking lots.

“We understand that any change to parking can take time to adjust to, and we appreciate your patience as this new parking policy is implemented,” the City of Leavenworth wrote in its announcement, adding that signage will be installed to inform parking lot users of the changes.

For questions, the city advises contacting the Parking Department directly: (509) 888-0812.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media