Students were recently banned from parking in the popular Fresas parking lot due to a police warning regarding road obstructions caused by its use.

A new ban on student parking at the Fresas lot has left many students without a convenient and affordable option for parking at school. Students now face the choice of riding the school bus or an expensive alternative parking lot. The ban sparked frustration among students, who questioned transito decision and called for alternative solutions.

“I used to rely on the Fresas parking lot to get to school on time, and now with the ban in place, it’s been a huge inconvenience. Taking the bus is not only more expensive, but it also adds extra time to my daily commute. The alternative parking lot is also costly, and it’s not even a guarantee that I’ll find a spot,” Jerónimo Mejia, Grade 11, said.

The impact of the ban on student parking at the Fresas lot has been significant, as it was previously an efficient, reliable, and free option for students to park and get to school on time. Now, with limited alternatives available, students are struggling to find a convenient and affordable way to commute to school.

“I’m devastated by the ban on parking at Fresas. It’s been a complete game-changer for me. Now, not only do I have to pay for gas and tolls to get to school, but I also have to work out for an expensive parking lot, which I simply cannot afford. It’s not just about the money, though, It’s stressful and exhausting to have to worry about where to park every day,” Valeria Múnera, Grade 11, said.

The decision to ban parking at Fresas was prompted by numerous complaints from local residents about the obstruction caused by parked cars on the public street. As a result, Envigado city hall contacted the school and provided a warning that parking at Fresas had to cease within eight days. While the sudden ban has had a significant impact on students, it was deemed necessary to address the concerns raised by the community and ensure that traffic flow and pedestrian safety were maintained.

“The reasons cited by Envigado Mobility Transit for the prohibition of parking on a particular road were twofold. Firstly, the road in question is classified as a public road, so parking on it is prohibited by law. Secondly, the parked cars were obstructing the passage of residents who required access to the road, causing significant inconvenience and eliciting complaints from affected parties,” Juan Fernando Mesa, TCS Security and Protocol Coordinator, said

Despite the initial shock and frustration, students are gradually adapting to the new circumstances, some have turned to carpooling or using alternative transportation methods such as the buses that they used to use before, while others have chosen to find creative parking solutions near the school.

“It’s definitely been a tough adjustment since the ban on Fresas, but I’m trying to make the best of it. Carpooling has been a lifesaver, not just financially, but also socially. I’ve met some really cool people, and it’s made the commute more enjoyable. I’ve also heard that some of my peers are going back to the buses. This is a good alternative, however, it is an extra expense for our parents, and it is not as effective as carpooling,” Paulina Moreno, Grade 11, said.

Despite the challenges posed by the ban on Fresas parking, the school administration remains committed to finding viable solutions to support students in their transportation needs. The school is actively exploring alternatives to Fresas, such as a nearby public unused. They are also open to student suggestions and are working closely with student leaders to ensure that the needs and concerns of the student body are heard and addressed. While it may take some time to find a long-term solution, the school is dedicated to finding a safe and sustainable parking arrangement for its students.

“Exploring multiple alternatives is the first step towards progress, but true change can only come with the collaborative effort of all. Without the permission and support of both the Envigado city hall and parents, the school’s alternative solutions for student parking can’t be implemented,” Mesa said.

After an interview with HS Principal Juan David Lopez he mentioned how he has only received a case where a student felt unsafe when leaving her car outside in Poli and having to walk alone. After being informed of the student’s concerns, the school took immediate action and devised an alternative to address the issue. They granted permission for the student to park her car inside the school premises after school hours.

​​“As frustrating as this ban may be, we cannot ignore the safety concerns that led to its implementation. We need to find a solution that ensures the safety of all students, even if it means sacrificing some conveniences. It’s time for us to come together and work towards a better school and community,” Lopez said.