DANA POINT : Harbor-Area Parking Free Through Spring
Free parking has returned to Dana Point Harbor until Memorial Day.
The change, which became effective Jan. 5, was in response to complaints from merchants and customers about a pay-to-park program started nine months ago.
The parking program had been progressively scaled back before the latest move. However, during the summer, the pay-to-park program will go back into effect, according to Dana Point Harbor Assn. officials.
Barbara Lamb, association spokeswoman, said that free harbor-area parking will also apply during the city’s Festival of Whales, from Feb. 11 to March 5.
Lamb said that recent wet weather has kept some patrons away, despite the free parking.
Last April, gates were installed in the Mariners Village and Dana Wharf parking areas to counter what large leaseholders and restaurateurs considered a serious parking problem.
Studies showed that spaces were being used by employees, beach-goers and boaters, along with shoppers and diners. For 21 years, parking at the harbor had been free.
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