EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
It took nine months, but the back 40 in Downtown Evansville officially opened to the public on Tuesday.
The new parking spaces may be the most visible change on the lot, but they're not the only change.
"A lot more space. A lot more parking," said Logan Sellner, who uses the lot.
The barricades are set aside and the paint still fresh.
"It does look nicer with the trees," said Jennie Illingworth, who uses the lot daily.
The fresh pavement and landscaping may have added curb appeal, but they're not just for looks.
"These rain gardens you see here in the area will actually collect about six million gallons of water a year and take it away from the combined sewers," said Dave Rector with the Evansville-Vanderbugh Building Authority.
In addition to the rain gardens, drivers will also be pulling into 250 extra spaces. Meaning there are now a total of 1,100 available parking spots, which is a relief for the crowds who flock to the back 40.
"Any given day, usually have 2,000 to 3,000 visitors in the Civic Center," Rector said.
Illingworth is one of the 1,000 employees who work in the Civic Center.
"There could be time you were parking like way, way back," Illingworth said.
Although spaces seem to be in abundance now, if the city ever needs more spaces, fear not, back 40 has room to grow.
"We do have another acre of land here at the C.K. Newsome Center that we could turn into green space," Rector said.
The price tag for the project was $1 million.
The free parking is available for anyone attending events at the Ford Center, Civic Center, Victory Theater, or if you just want to go downtown.
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In addition to the rain gardens, drivers will also be pulling into 250 extra spaces.
