Parking at the Park

As of Saturday, March 2, 2013

Martin Park in Southern Pines is a haven for us dog lovers.

The park land was generously donated by Dr. Gayle Martin several years ago and has become a popular spot all year round. So popular, in fact, that parking is now becoming an issue.

Martin Park has no parking lot. The cul-de-sac is often full on the weekends and nice afternoons. Yesterday the park was so busy that a few people parked in the nearly empty Yadkin Plaza and, dangerously, in the median in front of the park. I understand the plaza is private property and the owner doesn’t feel like being neighborly. They have enough signs up to get their message across.

So, what is the solution? The town of Southern Pines should step up and clear an area in the front of the park for parking. In the meantime, Yadkin Plaza could sell parking vouchers for weekend use by park-goers.

This problem will not go away. It’s only going to get worse. Come on, Southern Pines, this park is a rare gem that needs just a little help. And, Yadkin Plaza, become a good neighbor, show some good will.

Melissa Swarbrick

Pinehurst

More like this story

dogboy 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Thee are approximately 100 parking spaces in the Yadkin parking lot but only one business in operation.Maybe Southern Pines can persuade the owners of Yadkin to set aside several spaces for dog owners. Weekends are the busiest times for the dog park and there are virtually no cars in the Yadkin parking lot at this time!!

njc17 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Could it be the liability issue of people parking in a private lot and could it be the rudeness and sloppiness of people? many factors can enter into why folks are kept from using a private lot.

Middleman522 2 months, 2 weeks ago

You can park behind Walmart along the curb, close to the auto repair. I used to work in the yadkin building and we never worried about parking. I'm quite sure their new renters don't mind. I know the landlord don't.

vdaybeth 2 months, 2 weeks ago

The park that Dr. Martin so graciously donated to the town, is a wonderful destination for people and their dogs. It's always fun to see a newcomer discover it for the first time- and marvel at how nice it is, and what a wonderful resource it is for the community. On the other hand, just next door, you have someone who is protecting their property with a closed fist. At first, they put paper signs on offending cars that dared to park there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, when no business is open at that location, and there are plentiful parking spaces.Then, they posted metal " no parking" signs, directed specifically to dog park patrons, all along the common border to the park. That wonderful, community feeling really takes a hit!! The owner of the business park could take a lesson from Dr. Martin!