The Heer’s Car Park opened today for free public use until the Hollywood Theaters complex opens this fall.

The 375-space Car Park will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. for free parking. Motorists need to enter the Car Park from its Olive Street entrance because of the ongoing road closure on Campbell Avenue. Campbell is expected to re-open on June 20, weather permitting.

The $5,889,131 project is being funded by the Level Property Tax, the 1/8-cent Sales Tax for Transportation and special obligation bonds. The Car Park was designed by Esterly, Schneider & Associates and built by Carson-Mitchell Inc., both of Springfield.

Additional evening and weekend public parking is available on the newly reconstructed surface parking lot at the northeast corner of Campbell Avenue and Olive Street.

The lot is leased by the State of Missouri during the day, but is open to the public after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends. The free evening and weekend public use also will continue until the theaters open.

The 108-space surface lot was re-constructed to correct structural deficiencies. It uses “green” standards of design and technology with a pervious concrete surface, a bioswale for stormwater collection and wheel stops made of recycled plastic.

A formal ribbon-cutting will be planned for the new parking and streetscape improvements after Campbell Avenue re-opens.

For more information, contact: Martin Gugel, Public Works project manager, 864-1980; or Louise Whall, Director of Public Information, 864-1010.