6/12/06
The
Cordish Co.
800.733.5444
Fax:
410-659-9491
Dear
owners of the Pier V Parking Garage,
I’m writing to express my anger and frustration I
experienced during my visit to the Baltimore Aquarium, or rather the problem
with the aquarium parking. The aquarium itself and staff were wonderful. I feel
like the people who run aquarium parking has ignored its visitors that use
disabled vans. I realize the aquarium has nothing to do with these garages,
although I hope they will consider adding more signs as to guide vans where to
park along Pratt Street.
Being that I was a visitor to the
area, are as the majority of people who travel to the aquarium, I did not know
my way around and relied on street signs to guide me. In my opinion, the blocks
around the aquarium are very poorly labeled. I understand now by looking at
website the van designated garage is on Gay Street, but that was not apparent
while I looking for parking. In my opinion there should’ve been more signs
showing us where that was located.
We drove around one block twice. The
only sign I saw was the disabled drop off area. There were no signs to clue us
in as to where to park. Then we spotted the large parking garage just beyond
the drop off area. We saw that it was labeled for aquarium visitors, so we
automatically thought this is where we’re supposed to park. This is where the trouble
begins. We pull up into the garage slowly. There was no parking attendant in
site. The van hit the clearance pole indicator. Still nobody from the staff
helped. We had cars behind us, we couldn’t back up. My friend who was driving
slowly pulled in; the pole came loose from its chains, fell to the floor. Then,
the garage staff comes running. Where were they when we needed help?
The pole had a chunk missing
from the end. I had no problem paying for it. I should have known my vans
clearance beforehand. The cost is not what I’m upset about. Why wasn’t there
any staff to direct us to an alternative-parking place? Why were there no signs
on Pratt Street to indicate where to park a bus or a tall van like mine?
As we looked into the garage we saw handicap parking
spaces. In my hometown, my type of van fits into parking garages, on the first
level. Add onto that, we’re new and not familiar with the area. Can you
understand our confusion and frustration?
The garage manger Brian was very understanding.
Brian allowed us to park in the garage, by the staff office for the whole day.
I couldn’t help notice the extra clearance pole in the corner. This couldn’t
have been the first time that this has happened. Nevertheless, there are some
changes that I hope the aquarium or the garage owners consider making.
Maybe the garage can designate a handful of spaces
up front to vans? Ironically there was plenty of clearance by the staff office.
I’m sure vans like mine couldn’t go far into the garage, but my van did fit
fine near the entrance with plenty of clearance. Surely there needs to be help
on standby visible to customers at every entrance. Obviously this is a hot spot
for tourist, and tourist tend to get lost. Tourist need as much help as
possible, especially in a big city as Baltimore. Here’s an idea, since the drop
off sign clearly stands out, maybe add on another sign below that, “van parking
on Gay St”.
Sincerely,
Ivy
K.
CC/
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Pier V Parking Garage
Responses/Results: 6/15/06 Got an email from the aquarium fast,
within a few days! They were sorry and
understood my situation. Said they would speak to the garage on Gay Street
about them adding more signs to direct visitors driving vans to park there. Yey!
Granted, I’ll never know if they actually do, but it’s nice to be heard. Also
said they’ll add more information to their website concerning the matter.