As Colorado Springs continues to grow, so do its logistical problems with parking and traffic. Five students from local universities are helping rectify these problems through a semester-long research project with Quad Innovation Alliance.
Cameron Hathaway, UCCS, Eugene Martin, USAFA, Joshua Brecktold, Pikes Peak State College, Ben Murphy and Mack Hildebrand, Colorado College, spent their fall semester studying the El Paso Sahwatch Parking Structure’s most significant issues and how to improve them. Working with the county’s Department of Facilities and Strategic Infrastructure Management, the Quad students “research topics to maximize efficiency within the garage, usability and improvements to the garage to meet the needs of a growing Colorado Springs.”
Focusing mostly on the garage’s operational issues, such as traffic flow, accessibility and getting cars out efficiently, the student group spend time researching both the structure and the landscape of the downtown area around it.
“The project with the county parking garage is working to a real problem with traffic that is only compounding as time goes on and more people move here. It is very satisfying to be able to directly observe what is currently happening in this city, and be able to work towards a solution that is forward thinking. It is also intriguing to see the plans for the expansion and continued development of the downtown area from El Paso County’s point of view. Being a Colorado native, I find it extremely fulfilling to work directly for the Colorado Springs community,” said Joshua Brecktold.
By partnering with Quad and El Paso County, students gain valuable experience through opportunities to collaborate and work with others from various backgrounds, practice with public speaking and working with clients in professional settings, and a chance to learn more about data analysis and how to present that data and results. As one student noted, they’ve also learned much more about parking structures in particular.
“I did not know much about parking garages prior to this project, but now when I sleep, I dream of parking garages. There’s so much that goes into the construction of these structures that most people take for granted. This project has given me a greater appreciation for the engineers and architects that are working behind the scenes. They deserve greater appreciation and recognition,” Eugene Martin said.
Though the students are still finishing up their study and analysis, they already have a few ideas for how to improve the structure. One suggestion is to add a public mural to create a warmer atmosphere and add public attention to the garage, and another is to add sound assistance to the garage for more accessibility and to make entering and exiting easier.
These suggestions and final results will be shared in a detailed written report and presentation by the students to El Paso County commissioners and staff. Community members can also learn more about this semester’s Quad projects at their Dec. 7 open house at UCCS Downtown, where the teams will give short presentations on their projects and answer questions about them. The open house takes place from 4:30-6 p.m. and appetizers, drinks and cake will be provided. Reach out to Quad Executive Director Megan Barry to learn more about Quad and the open house.