City braces for PGA influx as parking crisis looms

During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the upcoming PGA tournament, which is expected to attract between 30,000 to 50,000 visitors this fall. Concerns were raised regarding parking availability at the Black Desert Resort, which currently lacks sufficient spaces to accommodate the influx of attendees.

Council members highlighted the need for immediate planning to address potential parking solutions. Questions were posed about whether Padre Canyon would be blocked off or if residents would be permitted to charge for parking in their driveways. Additionally, the council discussed the necessity of surveying local homeowners to gauge their preferences regarding parking arrangements.

The meeting also touched on the importance of assessing available parking options throughout Ivins, including those at churches, schools, and businesses. Other logistical considerations included traffic routing, shuttle services, vendor arrangements, and even the potential for helicopter traffic over the resort.

Council member Scott emphasized that this topic would be revisited in future meetings, with plans to include it on the agenda. The city is also tasked with determining the enforcement of short-term rental (STR) laws during the tournament week, raising questions about whether residents could rent out their homes.

The council acknowledged the need for additional police presence during the event and discussed how to manage the associated costs. These discussions are expected to continue as the city prepares for the anticipated challenges of hosting a large-scale event.