PETITION TO PRESERVE MARKET SQUARE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURANT, OKLAHOMA

 
Oppose Conversion of the Market Square Parking Lot into a Park or "Green Space"

To the Honorable Mayor, City Council Members, City Manager, and Officials of Durant, Oklahoma: 
We, the undersigned downtown business owners, employees, residents, customers, and concerned citizens of Durant, Oklahoma, respectfully petition you to immediately halt and reconsider any proposal to convert the Market Square parking lot into a park.

We support green space, beautification, and community amenities — but not through the elimination of critical parking that our local economy depends on. Viable alternatives include using available funding for enhancements that preserve parking (such as landscaping, lighting, benches around the existing lot); and exploring underutilized city-owned land for parks elsewhere.

 
Why Preserving This Lot Is Essential:

Market Square is the largest of only two significant public parking lots serving the entire downtown area, as documented in the City’s parking study. Downtown currently has 394 public parking spaces to support over 100 businesses — averaging just 3-4 spaces per business. Most businesses employ more than 3 people and rely on customer parking which is crucial to sustain operations and growth. Market square parking lot is 23% of the total parking capacity in the entire downtown district.  
The downtown area has experienced remarkable revitalization, with increasing foot traffic from local shops, restaurants, Lake Texoma visitors, Choctaw Casino events, and community activities. This success depends heavily on convenient, accessible parking. Removing Market Square’s capacity would: 

• Impose severe economic harm on downtown businesses which depend on accessible parking to function & grow. 
• Create shortages during peak times (lunch hours, weekends, events), when Market Square parking lot fills completely and demand spills over to every curbside space.
• Stifle further economic growth & tourism by turning away potential visitors and constraining the vitality supported by current high utilization.
• Undermine ongoing investments in downtown infrastructure, events, and revitalization efforts.

Our Requests:

• Immediately stop any plans to convert or remove parking at Market Square for a park.
• Prioritize preservation of public parking in the downtown district. 
• Hold public hearings and meaningful consultations with downtown business owners and the community before any decisions. 
• Explore alternatives that balance community amenities with the economic needs of local businesses. 
• Use this opportunity to beautify and enhance our downtown district & not reduce vital parking.

The data from the City’s parking study, observed high daily utilization, direct impacts on businesses, and community feedback all confirm eliminating Market Square parking would harm — not help — Durant’s thriving downtown. 
With fewer parking options, existing customers & tourists may find frequent visits more challenging, and potential ones could be deterred, seeking convenience elsewhere. This ominous reduction in customer traffic endangers jobs, diminishes business revenues, and weakens the community bond.

I urge city planners and decision-makers to preserve the Market Square parking lot. Strategies to enhance our town’s green spaces should not come at the cost of its economic vitality. Instead of reducing parking, we should thoroughly consider option like enhancing Market Square though thorough beautification, added greenery, and community friendly touches that boost curb appeal without sacrificing a single spot.  

Let’s work together to maintain Durant's bustling downtown, balancing growth with the needs of our vibrant business community. Sign this petition to protect our essential Market Square parking and support the continued prosperity of downtown Durant. Together, let's present our collective voice and ensure the needs of the community are heard and respected.