Slippery Rock University officials turn to gravel over groans about parking.

The university's Facilities and Planning Department began construction Feb. 4 to add a combined 76 parking spots between two locations on campus.

The first lot is at Wally Rose Field, near the Art Sculpture Building at the end of Maltby Avenue, and the second is near the Alumni Association Picnic Pavilion along Stadium Road between North and Harmony roads.

Both gravel lots are expected to open by the end of March, according to Scott Albert, assistant vice president of facilities.

“Students have expressed concerns about having enough parking on campus, and this was the quickest way we could provide some relief,” Albert said. “We started the process in September, but it takes time to work through the design and permitting issues.”

Dallas Kline, president of the university's Student Government Association, said students have struggled to find convenient places to park, especially during midday. She said the worst time to park on campus is lunchtime; the parking lots clear up after 3 p.m.

“If you aren't here by 9 or 10 there are usually no close spots or spots students identify as good spots,” Kline said. “There are spots but they are typically pretty far away from the main buildings.”

She said most parking problems are timing issues.

“The 75 spots will definitely help,” Kline said.

In addition to the gravel work, the project will require bioretention rain gardens, which look like small ponds, next to the lots to address requirements regarding storm-water retention.

“The actual construction of the parking lots is not what takes the most time because you're basically leveling the site, putting gravel down and compacting it,” Albert said.

Albert said paving the lots would not be possible during the winter months because it would require additional land development permitting, but future paving is possible.

“This is something short-term that we came up with to provide some additional overflow parking until we can start implementing some of the parking recommendations from the master plan over the next several years,” Albert said.

Kline said she also encourages her classmates to take a look at their commuting habits to help keep the situation from worsening.

“We also have to remind students the Happy Bus is always available. Most students drive by themselves and don't car pool because almost every student has a different schedule,” Kline said. “If we encourage walking, carpooling and the Happy Bus that will help as well.”

Albert said beyond the 76 spots, the earliest any other additional parking projects could be implemented is the summer of 2020.