General Questions:

1. What is ParkIT!?
   ParkIT! is a community-based initiative designed to improve public safety, protect natural resources, and enhance visitor experiences along the Highway 1 parklands, from Carmel to Big Sur. The first phase of ParkIT! focuses on solving access and parking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
2. What are the main priorities of ParkIT!?
   The program focuses on public safety, conservation of natural resources, and improving visitor experience.
3. Who are the key stakeholders involved in ParkIT!?
   Key stakeholders include Carmel community representatives, California State Parks, Big Sur Land Trust, Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, Point Lobos Foundation, and Big Sur Marathon Foundation.

Reservation System:

4. Why is a reservation system being developed for Point Lobos State Natural Reserve?
   The system aims to manage overuse, protect natural resources, and improve visitor experiences at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
5. How will the reservation system address the overuse of Point Lobos?
   By spreading the number of visitors and vehicles accessing the Reserve over the day and days, the system will reduce parking and pedestrians on the highway outside of the Reserve as well as environmental impact on this State Park with Reserve protection.
6. Will the reservation system be flexible enough for last-minute visits?
   Yes, the reservation system will have reservation blocks released weeks in advance and on the day of to accommodate both planned and spontaneous visits.
7. Will a reservation be required if I walk into Point Lobos State Natural Reserve?
   Yes, all visitors will be required to have a reservation.
8. What if I show up to the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve without a reservation?
   If a reservation is available at that time, then you will be able to book the reservation and enter the Reserve. Otherwise, you will be given the option of the next available reservation.
9. Will the reservation system accommodate visitors with limited financial resources?
   Yes, programs and California State Parks passes will be available to ensure everyone, regardless of financial status, can visit the Reserve.

Shuttle System:

10. What role does the shuttle system play in the ParkIT! program?
    The shuttle system will greatly reduce dangerous roadside parking and pedestrian traffic on the highway, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and safely transport visitors from an off-highway parking lot to/from the Reserve with direct-to-coast access.
11. Where will the shuttle system operate?
    The shuttle will connect Marathon Flats (Rio Road/Highway 1) to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and eventually to other nearby locations like Palo Corona Park and San Jose Creek trail.
12. Will there still be parking on the highway?
    The reservation system will prioritize parking at the Reserve and at Marathon Flats. On peak days, however, parking on the highway will be reduced and managed.
13. How will the shuttle system reduce environmental impact?
    By syncing with the reservation system and reducing vehicle traffic, the shuttle is estimated to decrease weekday vehicle miles by up to 31,152 and weekend vehicle miles by up to 34,628. Also, distributed visitation across the day and days decreases the impact on the Reserve’s protected resources.
14. How does the shuttle expand access?
    The shuttle increases access with direct-to-coast drop-offs for those who can’t walk 1.5 - 3 miles to the coast from current highway parking (when Reserve parking is full).
15. Will there be fees associated with the reservation and shuttle?
    The fees are still to be determined with programs and passes to ensure access for all as a priority.

Project Milestones:

16. When will the reservation system and shuttle service launch?
    Pending the approval of the Coastal Development Permit, the proposed reservation and shuttle system will launch approximately 12-18 months later. Extensive marketing about reservation requirements will begin six months prior.
17. What recent milestones has the ParkIT! program achieved?

1. Completion of CEQA and ISMND process.
2. Removal of dangerous parking on the east side of SR1.
3. Completion of a Visitor Use Survey to guide system development.
4. Design and engineering of the Marathon Flats parking lot by California State Parks.
5. Submittal of the Coastal Development Permit to Monterey County.

18. When will permits for the program be submitted and approved?
    The Coastal Development Permit was submitted in November 2024. The review-to-approval process varies.

Use cases for the Reservation and Shuttle services

(please note that both the Reservation and Shuttle are in development and may change):

1. I am a local who likes to visit last minute: Reservation blocks will be released each morning for spontaneous visitation to the Reserve across the day. You will have the option of both Reserve and Shuttle parking.
2. I am an international traveler planning a visit to Point Lobos 6 months from now: Reservation blocks will be released a specified (ex 3 months) time in advance of the date of visit so you can plan and ensure your date and time.
3. I live close to the Reserve and walk there every morning: Reservation blocks will be released each morning for spontaneous visitation.
4. I am a diver and need to park on the Reserve: Diver permits will be provided a reservation and parking on the Reserve.
5. I am a Point Lobos State Natural Reserve docent: Docent shifts will act as a reservation and parking will be available on the Reserve.
6. I will be biking through the area and want to visit Point Lobos: You have the option of making your reservation when the initial block is released months in advance or on the day of.
7. I need free access to the Reserve in order to visit: There are multiple options for free access to the Reserve via the reservation and shuttle systems including:
   1. California Parks passes (all will be honored)
   2. California State Library Parks pass
8. I prefer to park in the Reserve and not use the shuttle: You will have the option to choose your preference of parking in the Reserve (150 spaces), the shuttle staging area (100 spaces) or on the shoulder of the highway on peak days (# of spaces tbd).
9. I prefer to shuttle to the Reserve: You will have the option to choose your preference of parking on the Reserve (150 spaces), the shuttle staging area (100 spaces) or on the shoulder of the highway on peak days (# of spaces tbd).
10. I am mobility challenged and need ADA accommodations: The shuttle will be ADA-accessible and there are also ADA spaces available for reservation on the Reserve.  

As the program and planning develops, further details will be available on how the reservation and shuttle systems will operate. In the meantime, if you have further questions please reach out to [email protected].