BY ZANA BALABAN
Heavy machinery occupies the future lower lot, a project required before stadium lights can be used for night games. photo by ZANA BALABAN
Unexpected delays have postponed completion of the lower parking lot on the Carmel High School campus, located on the site of the former tennis courts, directly affecting parking availability and hosting of nighttime athletic events.
The parking construction project broke ground June 9, with CHS principal Libby Duethman hoping for completion before the start of the school year. But over the summer crews discovered an old sewer line in poor condition, halting excavation in one area while the line was replaced. Parts took weeks to arrive, thus slowing their progress.
Despite the setback, Carmel Unified School District chief operations officer Dan Paul estimates a new completion date of Sept. 19, in time for the homecoming football game the following Friday and ahead of the initial projected completion date of Oct. 17. If this estimated timeline holds, the parking lot will fulfill requirements to turn on the stadium lights for a CHS football game for the first time.
Parking crisis
For now, parking has become a daily headache for students and administrators.
One hundred forty-five parking permits were allotted for the exact number of spots available in the main lot, and a raffle handed out 16 additional designated senior spots at the back of the school, but this left the remainder of student drivers unauthorized to park on campus. A shuttle is available for students who leave their cars at the middle school, but more students have opted to carpool or find spots in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Construction crews dig through the former tennis courts this summer, where the discovery of a sewer line in poor condition forced delays. photo by ZANA BALABAN
“It’s frustrating that it’s so hard to find spots,” says senior Celine Karavelioglu, explaining the parking scramble that occurs early each morning, even for students who have permits. “The construction in the lower lot causes a lot of competition.”
CHS administrators make it clear that under no circumstances should students resort to parking in the tow zone on Flanders Road, adjacent to the performing arts center, where the California Highway Patrol has cited students on multiple occasions.
When the lower lot is completed, 75 new student parking spots and a connecting road to the main lot will be added. Contractors are also working on a pedestrian walkway to go alongside this connecting road.
“Parking is a thorn in our sides, and it will be a relief when we have those extra 75 spaces,” explains Duethman. “It really should alleviate the pain.”
Paul confirmed that the Sept. 19 target depends on avoiding further complications, but noted in mid-August that construction did not completely stop during the sewer line replacement. Crews continued work in other sections of the lot, which he said has helped keep the overall project moving forward despite the setback.
Prior to the opening of the lot, a site map outlining entrances, exits and the general flow of traffic will be released to families to help reduce confusion on the first day of use.
Friday night lights at last
Friday night football, which for years was out of reach due to community opposition and lawsuits, is ready to debut this fall.
The debate over stadium lights dates back decades, with neighbors citing noise, light pollution and traffic as reasons for opposition. Multiple lawsuits delayed installation, culminating in the agreement that a new parking lot would be built to accommodate additional vehicles and mitigate neighborhood congestion. Although permanent lights were finally approved and assembled in fall of 2023, this season marks the first in which true night football games will be possible.
Until parking lot completion, early-season football games initially scheduled for Friday nights have been either reserved at Monterey Peninsula College as a backup or moved to noontime on Saturdays at CHS, as they have been in past years. Carmel’s first home game was played during daylight at CHS on Saturday against Soledad High School.
If the project wraps by Sept. 19, homecoming on Sept. 26 will be the first official night game.
Associated Student Body adviser Aubrey Powers expresses the hope and excitement of students and community members for the game. In preparation, the student government is planning a celebration to mark the event.
“We are working on commemorative buttons for people who are here when the lights are turned on,” says Powers, noting that the lights celebration will occur alongside other homecoming festivities. “We’re also planning to do a special coin toss, inviting locals who have supported the lights process.”
Duethman expresses her eagerness to acknowledge the hard work of the students, staff, families and community members in bringing the long-running stadium lights project to the finish line.
“Turning on the lights will be a long-awaited accomplishment for this community,” Duethman explains, “and it will enhance the magical high school experience for all the wonderful games we have–field hockey, lacrosse, soccer and, of course, football.”
While excitement builds, site administrators stress that Sept. 19 is only a current completion estimate. And until then, students will need to continue managing limited parking and adjusted sports schedules under temporary arrangements.
