Orlando Standard

Earlier this year, the City of Orlando unveiled "The Canopy," a new iteration of an urban gathering space formerly known as the Under-I Project. The project's official name was chosen following feedback from an online survey and public meetings held in the fall of 2023.

A key feature of this development is the introduction of approximately 150 temporary public parking spaces designed to meet short-term parking needs and facilitate pickup and drop-off activities. Two new lots have been established in downtown Orlando to support this initiative.

The first lot is located on Pine Street between Garland Avenue and Hughey Avenue, offering 3-hour public parking between 11 a.m. and 4 a.m. The second lot on Central Boulevard between Garland Avenue and Hughey Avenue will be designated for pick-up and drop-off only starting Friday, December 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., coinciding with the StaffDNA Cure Bowl event, and then daily from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

This one-year pilot initiative aims to create a safer, more efficient environment for residents and visitors navigating downtown Orlando. It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion during events in the entertainment district while enhancing pedestrian safety for over 15,000 guests before and after events.

Parking at the Pine lot can be paid using the ParkMobile app, although reservations are not available in advance; spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This initiative marks the beginning of Orlando's commitment to developing a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly downtown as part of its DTO Action Plan.