KC Parking Lots are Out to Get Me...

    I can't tell you how many times I've met friends at Crown Center, the Plaza, or Downtown to have them walk up to me, running late, with the immediate explanation that they had a difficult time parking. I always respond that I'm so sorry and a try to offer a tip on the perfect spot for whatever we're doing. Over the years I've learned which spots are best for what I plan to do and who is with me (whether I'm by myself on foot, or bringing a friend in a wheelchair or kids in strollers). I'm very systematic about parking at each venue. I've learned the ropes... or so I thought!!!

    This week, I had three parking lot experiences that were inconvenient and now laughable!

    Friday, I went to the Sprint Center to get event tickets. I parked in the lot immediately across the street and right under KC Live. I parked next to a handicapped spot, a trick I learned from downtown trips with one of our best friends - handicapped spaces are on levels with elevators - nice for stroller moms like me.

    In that particular lot, you get a ticket, then you take the ticket to a machine before exiting and pay your fee, it provides a new ticket, and you take the new ticket to the exit. When I used the machine it took my ticket, reported that I didn't owe any money (fast trip), and that I should take my new ticket to the exit. One problem - the machine did not give me a new ticket! Everything in print clearly stated that it should produce a new ticket. I'd done this before with no trouble. So, I pushed the Help button. One problem- the help button is an automated voice telling you how to use the machine. Using it wasn't the problem. So, in fear that I'd get through the garage and be stuck, I asked the nearby restaurant staff. They didn't know. Finally, I gave up and went to my van hoping I'd get help as I tried to exit. At the exit, I pushed the help button at the gate and the bar lifted - no ticket, no money, no nothing. Seriously, I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out what to do about the missing ticket and that's all I had to do?

    The irony of this adventure is that it led to my second adventure. We were meeting friends at Kaleidoscope next. I was now running late. I went to park in my usual destination - the Red Level at Halls (walk straight out to Kaleidoscope). Unfortunately, other moms had figured this out and the Red Level was full. I went down to the Green Level. Fine. As I exited my van, I had a choice, elevator on the right or the left. I chose the left. Now you should know, we are regulars at Kaleidoscope. We've been four times this summer alone and easily dozens and dozens of times in the past, not to mention our other Crown Center outings. I have never had any difficulty in getting there, the route is very familiar to me... or so I thought!

    Turns out the left elevator was a big mistake. The left elevator did not go to Kaleidoscope, it went to the Hallmark offices. Thankfully we were greeted by a really nice Hallmark employee (I wish I had her name) who escorted us through the maze to Kaleidoscope and explained how to return easily to our car - which was as simple as using the right elevator! (Yes, we very easily returned to our vehicle).

    Then, Saturday we went to see The Wiggles at the Sprint Center (we had a blast). I used the same spot as Friday assuming that the previous day's event was a fluke. After the concert, I put my ticket in the machine and it won't take it. Several tries and no go. Finally, I give up and my friend and I head to another machine. It takes the ticket and asks for $8 for parking. I pay, it produces a new ticket, voila! We load into the van and I drive to the exit relieved at success. Upon arriving at the exit, the bar is up. An attendant waves us on and says there is no need for a ticket because the machine is broken! So, I paid $8 on an accidental free parking day!

    So, to all my friends who have experienced years of Parking Garage grief... I now sympathize! I still have my favorite parking places... but for a few weeks at least, I think I'm adding 10-20 minutes to our travel time "just in case."