As we have in previous years, Drake is pleased to once again host the Iowa State High School Track Meet, one of the largest state high school track events in the United States. Like last year, the meet will occur prior to the end of the academic year, beginning on Thursday, May 16, and concluding on Saturday, May 18.

We are taking extra steps to plan for the overlap of this event with other year-end activities on campus—including commencement and move out—and we ask that you do the same.

Because of the increase in activity and to help with general safety, we will be using several steps that we used for the Drake Relays, including a partial closing of Forest Avenue. Please note the following:

Street Closures

• Forest Avenue will once again be closed between 27th Street and 29th Street from Wednesday, May 15, at noon until Saturday, May 18, at 6 p.m. This closure will not prevent cars from accessing the residence halls along Forest Avenue for checkout. 
• The street closure enhances the safety of those attending the state track meet.
• 27th Street will be shut down for bus traffic from Forest Avenue to Clark Street from Thursday, May 16, to Saturday, May 18.
• No parking will be allowed on University Avenue between 25th street and 31st Street from May 15–18 to allow for easier traffic flow.

Plan ahead for parking challenges

• Plan for extra time to find parking as well as to travel to campus.
• Commuters, faculty, and staff can avoid parking challenges by using alternative forms of transportation or carpooling. Remember, Drake provides no cost DART rides to faculty, staff, and students. All you have to do is show your Drake ID upon boarding the bus. 

Adhere to parking restrictions

• Only Lot 2 (south side of 25th Street and Forest Avenue), Lot 18S (Studio Arts), and Lot 4 (Tennis Center) will be dedicated to the state track meet from Thursday, May 16, to Saturday, May 18. All other commuter parking lots will be available for faculty, students, and staff to use.
• Lot 13 (Wifvat Plaza) will be open on both Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17.
• All residential parking lots will be under 24-hour residential permit-only restrictions throughout the state track meet. Any car parked in a residential lot from Thursday, May 16, through Saturday, May 18, without a Drake permit will be towed. Additional signage will be posted at all residential lots as a reminder.
• On Saturday, May 18, both Lot 13 (Wifvat Plaza) and Lot 16 (Olmsted) will be reserved for families attending the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Law School graduation ceremonies. The lots will open at 1 p.m. for these guests.

Residential students plan your move out
Residential students who complete their exams by Wednesday, May 15, are strongly encouraged to move-out at that time to avoid the increased traffic and congestion that will occur from Thursday to Saturday. If you cannot move out by Wednesday, plan for plenty of extra time.

Contact us ahead of time with questions or concerns
If you have specific concerns or questions regarding parking from Thursday, May 16, to Saturday, May 18, please contact Scott Law as soon as possible at scott.law@drake.edu. While there is limited room for exceptions to these parking rules and restrictions, I am happy to listen and discuss any concerns. It is easier to be proactive, prior to events beginning, rather than reactive, once the meet has begun.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.

Scott Law, Executive Director Campus Public Safety & Operational Services