"No Parking" to bring parking concerns to Warrior Way, areas surrounding Zephyr Cove

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - It is an annual summer occurrence, thousands of people heading to Lake Tahoe in search of beaches to enjoy for tanning, swimming, and hanging out with friends. If parking and traffic are indications of the popularity of these activities, the stretch of US50 at Zephyr Cove is a hot spot.

This year will be the first summer where "No Parking" signs line both sides of the highway in each direction from the new stoplight installed by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) at Warrior Way.

Fines for parking in the no-parking areas on the highway are $305.

The Zephyr Cove Resort is proposing the addition of 150 new parking spots inside the resort, but those plans unveiled during Wednesday's U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Zephyr Cove Resort open house most likely won't be approved and in place by summer. Parking in their current 280 parking spots is $12 per day.

Douglas County Commissioners asked for a feasibility study a few months ago to look into what can be done about the expected influx of parking on county roads, facilities, and school grounds around the resort.

The results of the study are not ready, but Douglas County Assistant County Manager Scott Morgan was at the LTBMU-Zephyr Cove public meeting to see what partnering agencies were proposing for parking, trash, and restrooms.

While some of these may be taken care of through proposed plans, most agree something needs to be done before this summer.

"We care deeply about this," said Morgan. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Tahoe Douglas Fire, Whittell High School, Zephyr Cove Elementary, the County Library, tennis courts, and other facilities off Warrior Way will all be impacted by no parking being allowed on the highway. The Skyland neighborhood could also see major impacts should drivers attempt to park along their streets.

"Doing nothing is the worst answer," said Morgan. "It would be a problem."

The school booster clubs have run paid parking in their parking lots over the 4th of July holiday as a fundraiser. Could they expand that service? That is unknown, Morgan said. He said the need for trash facilities and portable restrooms are needed before any parking can happen. Morgan said they need to protect County facilities too.

For trash and other beach problems, plans are in the works.

"We recognize the concerns with litter at Zephyr Shoals in years prior to our management of the area, and we are excited to bring additional resources this season," said Kevin Schiesz, district manager for Tahoe, Aramark Destinations who manager Zephyr Cove Resort. "We anticipate providing additional security and receptacles for trash and recycling to help mitigate trash management issues from previous years."

Schiesz said LTBMU and Aramark are collaborating with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, and the LTBMU law enforcement to develop and have plans in place well in advance of the July 4th holiday. He said they will also be collaborating with local agencies and organizations like Keep Tahoe Blue to provide information to beachgoers in advance.

Aramark has buses for transportation for the M.S. Dixie passengers, at this time there are no plans to provide bus transportation for beachgoers.

Stay tuned for summer parking plans.