Santa’s helpers were out early this week in downtown Muscatine, covering two-hour parking meters with festive red bags to signal the start of the city’s annual holiday parking moratorium. From Nov. 19 through Jan. 4, drivers can enjoy free two-hour parking once per day in metered spaces throughout the downtown business district.
The Muscatine City Council approved the recommendation from city staff during its meeting Tuesday night. The moratorium applies only to two-hour meters; 10-hour meters will continue to require payment.
“Free two-hour parking is a simple way we can support both our residents and our downtown businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year,” City Administrator Matt Mardesen said. “We hope this encourages more people to come downtown, shop local, and enjoy everything Muscatine has to offer.”
The existing rule on 2nd Street — a two-hour, once-per-day limit per block — will remain in place.
“We appreciate everyone following the two-hour limit so the spaces turn over and remain available,” Mardesen said. “Our goal is to make parking easier and the holiday experience more enjoyable for everyone.”
City staff volunteers covered the downtown area Wednesday morning to place the holiday covers on meters. The city will monitor the two-hour limit throughout the season and issue tickets for violations. Data collected during the moratorium will help guide future parking decisions.
