People who want closeup parking at Oakbrook Center shopping mall in Oak Brook can now purchase the convenience now that the mall operators have added a third option to go along with its general and valet parking.
Paid preferred parking became available Feb. 2 and includes 108 spaces located in two small sections on the north side of the property and in the orange parking garage, which are both convenient locations for entry into the mall, said Serge Khalimsky, the center’s senior general manager.
He said the preferred parking was added due to the popularity and increased use of the valet program.
“It is clear that many of our guests value convenience, and this preferred parking program adds another great option for easy access to the shopping center,” he said, adding that Oakbrook Center has nearly 11,000 total parking spaces.
The cost for the new, preferred parking is $3 for the first hour and $2 per subsequent hour, with a maximum charge of $11. Payment is made via a QR code displayed at each space. The reserved spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, with no advance reservations available.
“Feedback has been generally positive, and we have seen many shoppers take advantage of the amenity in the first few days since launching the program,” Khalimsky said. “Our guests have already started taking advantage of these spaces, and they will most likely be in demand during peak shopping times throughout the year.”
Khalimsky said Oakbrook Center has partnered with People’s Resource Center, and 10% of all proceeds from preferred parking will go to that organization.
Since 1975, People’s Resource Center has been bringing neighbors together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County, according to information from the group.
The stated mission of the group is to respond to basic human needs, promote dignity and justice, and create a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County.
PRC, which has more than 2,000 volunteers, said that more than 22,500 DuPage residents rely on the group each year for help, such as nutritious food and other basic necessities, including clothes and rent assistance for people facing tough times.
More information about PRC is available online at www.peoplesrc.org.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
