Free parking at Nampa garage comes to an end after almost 3 years

After nearly three years of free parking at a structure in downtown Nampa, the public will have to start paying again.

On Feb. 4, the parking garage at 11th Avenue and 3rd Street, next to the Nampa Public Library, will begin charging for parking after the first hour.

The change comes after the parking garage’s owner, the Nampa Development Corporation, “is investing $150,000 to restore and enhance the payment options available” at the location.

Parking in the garage has been free since June 2023. With the new upgrades, there will be two new exit gates and a walk-up payment kiosk next to the first-floor elevator. The kiosks will take cash, debit or credit cards, Apple or Google Pay, and paying online via a QR code.

“The first hour of parking will remain free, providing continued accessibility for library and downtown visitors,” a press release from Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam’s office stated. “Following the complimentary hour, parking rates will resume at the 2023 rate of $1 per hour, with a maximum daily fee of $6. Monthly parking will also be available for $30. Fees collected help offset the cost of maintaining the parking garage.”

Those who do not wish to pay for parking can still park for free on the street, the mayor’s office stated. However, those stalls are limited to two- and four-hour increments but unlimited after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

For those visiting the library, there is a pick-up and drop-off location on 3rd Street that can be used for passengers.

To purchase a monthly parking pass or to get more information, visit cityofnampa.us/parking or call 208-468-5430.