By Madyson Muresan
Co-Editor-in-Chief

Have you ever wandered around in parking lots pulling your hair for the first 10 minutes of class looking for an empty space? Well I have. As someone who loses track of time easily and is chronically late to classes, I remember my first year at Clackamas Community College and the daily struggle of not finding a spot. Sometimes I would come more than 30 minutes early to class just to still not find a spot. Now, as a two-year veteran of the Parking Spot Games, I can confidently say I have cracked the code to finding a spot that isn’t a mile walk to your class and is easy to come across. Here is my ranking of the main parking lots at the Oregon City campus:

1. Blue Lot 1

If you are looking for something mildly close to DeJardin, Roger Rook and the Holden IT Center that will guarantee you a parking spot, Blue Lot 1 is the parking lot for you. While on a map, it may look out of the way of your classes, but it is surprisingly closer than you think. 

Blue lot one. Photos by Daegan Waagmeester

When Orange Lot 1 and 2 fill up and stay filled from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Blue Lot 1 is your answered prayer. A brisk walk through the woods or along a paved trail allows you easy access to the main buildings.

1. Orange Lot 1

Now, with all of Orange Lot 1’s faults, it does have some advantages. 

The location cannot be beat. With its close proximity to the Wacheno Welcome Center, Roger Rook and DeJardin, this is a great parking lot to quickly make it to your class on time. However, this is one of the most popular parking lots which makes the hunt for a space challenging. In my own experience, I tend to have a better chance finding a spot compared to Orange Lot 2.

Orange lot one’s entrance

The best piece of advice I can offer is to come at least 10 minutes early to your class if you plan on parking here. 

1. Yellow Lot 1 & 2

The Yellow Lots don’t have many advantages unless you are an athlete, art student or are coming for a Niemeyer event. They are far from main buildings and can delay you from getting to your classes. Along with possibly being far from your classes, the lot is not as large as you may think and can fill up fast.  

Yellow lot one

It can be a solid choice if you have a class in Niemeyer or McLoughlin, but drivers beware: it makes the middle of the list for a reason.

1. Orange Lot 2

Oh Orange Lot 2, how I hate you. If you want to park in this lot, good luck. 

There is almost never any spots because of its popularity and proximity to frequented buildings like Wacheno, Roger Rook and DeJardin. 

Orange lot two’s entrance

I often find others and myself joining the endless stream of cars driving in and then straight out because of how full the lot gets early in the day.  

It’s easier to go straight to another lot and save yourself the trouble. 

1. Purple Lot 1 & 2

There really isn’t much to say about the Purple Lots. They are out of the way, hidden and are unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.

An empty purple lot one

I rarely ever hear of students parking here and while it is often empty, there is just no good reason to park there. 

The only buildings that are nearby are the Family Resource Center and the Dye Learning Center. It is good for students and parents who need access to the Family Resource Center, but that’s about it.