Under perfect circumstances, parking for Bridgeport High School’s graduation would still likely be an exercise in frustration. It has nothing to do with preparation as opposed to the sheer number of people looking to park in a confined area in a short period of time.

 

This coming Saturday, circumstances for parking definitely will not meet the criteria of perfect circumstances. Due to construction of the new Johnson Elementary School, there will be fewer spots available as well as new guidelines.

 

Bridgeport High School Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick is asking the public to read the following information regarding graduation.

 

“It’s going to be a little bit different this year and it is due to the construction work being done so we’re asking everyone to be as cooperative as possible,” said Hamrick.

 

Unlike year’s past, there will be no parking inside the fenced area of Wayne Jamison Field. In the past, some of that area was used for handicapped parking, but Hamrick said it’s not possible this year.

 

“We will have handicap parking available and it will available as close to the main entrance as possible. There will be cones set up to secure those spaces for those that need them,” said Hamrick.

 

For those unable to find those spaces, or for that matter, not sure where to head to park Hamrick said there will be help. She said Bridgeport’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) will be working alongside several members of the Bridgeport Police Department to help make sure things go as smoothly as they can go.

 

“There will be some parking in the Johnson Elementary lot, but people need to be prepared to parking at Bridgeport City Park, behind the high school and possibly the middle school depending on the crowd,” said Hamrick. “People should probably arrive earlier than usual to allow for any extra time that may be needed to find their parking space and perhaps walk a little further.”

 

Hamrick said some spots at Bridgeport City Park will be reserved for graduating seniors. She said some generally arrive late and those spots will help facilitate them getting into the ceremony on time.

 

Also, Hamrick is asking everyone to avoid entering the only exit from the Johnson Elementary School parking lot. She said everyone is to enter to secure parking on City Park Drive, which is the road between the high school and the existing Johnson Elementary School.

 

“If there is inclement weather that morning and have to move graduation into the gymnasium, everything will remain the same with the exception of the handicap parking. It would move to the back entrance of the high school,” said Hamrick.

 

Hamrick is also asking individuals to not park along Johnson Avenue. It is illegal.

 

Graduation is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday.