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Parking in Downtown Bowling Green
There is free parking in Downtown Bowling Green!
Time limits will be enforced. On street parking is limited to 2 hours and in lot parking is limited to 3 hours. If you are a downtown merchant or resident you can contact the Bowling Green Police Division in regards to obtaining a long term parking pass at 419-352-1131
Downtown Streets & Parking
Downtown address system
The intersection of Wooster and Main Streets marks the boundaries of East/West and North/South Street designations. The odd and even street numbers change sides of the street at this intersection as well.
Parking Concerns
If you want more information about parking related service our would like to contest a ticket, please click the button below.
Want a more detailed Map of Downtown Parking?
Want a more detailed Map of Downtown Parking?
Check out this map
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Info
For a list of electric vehicle charge stations that includes: Plug types, cost and charging durations, click the document preview below. When you click the preview of the document, it will open a window so you can view it in a larger format.
You may download the document by clicking "Download PDF" directly below this text.
Changes to Parking in City Lots
August 3, 2020
Contact: Joe Fawcett 419-354-6204
Mayor Aspacher Statement: Downtown Free Parking
BOWLING GREEN — In August of 2019, Mayor Edwards and City Council announced an early parking holiday that removed the charge to park within city owned parking lots and at on-street meters. This was done in an effort to welcome people back in to the downtown area following two years of extensive construction. During this time we have seen that parking enforcement can be successful and still occur without a meter or kiosk, and there has been a very positive response to free parking in these areas. I applaud the Police Division for their hard work and dedication in re-working how they enforce the parking laws. As a result of these outcomes, I am asking City staff to begin taking steps to make this arrangement permanent.
This decision did not come easily. There are numerous pros and cons to this issue and in making this decision I have talked with staff, downtown property owners, business owners, and everyday residents. In removing the fee to park I hope to remove any barriers that may prevent residents and those visiting our community from enjoying our wonderful downtown. This does come with a financial impact and I recognize that. We will be selling the kiosks and associated hardware in order to recoup some of the costs of that system. Further, the City will save money with on-going maintenance to kiosks, the associated equipment, and the parking meters, as well as tax savings. Additionally, because there would be no need to attend to meters, kiosks, collect money, replenish receipts, etc…, we will realize additional savings by reducing the number of full-time employees required to perform parking related functions.
Once this goes in to effect, downtown residents will now be able to obtain a parking permit at no charge so that they may park in a city owned lot overnight. Those downtown residents interested in obtaining a permit will need to visit the Police Division as they normally would, the only difference is that they will be asked to show proof of residency. I ask that downtown residents and merchants utilize the 10-hour parking areas, leaving the 3-hour parking areas for visitors of our downtown.
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Street Closures
The following events are known to cause temporarily street closures:
Main Street:
- Memorial Day -"Rolling" Parade TBA
- Firefly Nights- TBA
- Black Swamp Arts Festival- TBA
- Holiday Parade- TBA
*More specific instructions will be released closer to the event.
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