Dear Durham Central Park and Durham Farmers’ Market Community,
We are writing to share an important update about Saturday morning parking in the Morris Street lot adjacent to Durham Central Park and the Durham Farmers’ Market. We know that access to safe, convenient parking is essential for many of our vendors, visitors, and neighbors, and we want to ensure you have clear, accurate information about recent changes.
First, we want to be transparent:
The Morris Street parking lot is privately owned property. It is not owned, operated, or managed by Durham Central Park (DCP) or the Durham Farmers’ Market (DFM). The new parking structure, signage, and fees were implemented solely by the property owner, Measurement Durham. We recognize that any change to long-established routines can be frustrating, but we hope this information helps clarify roles and expectations.
What’s changing:
Measurement Inc. has introduced a new parking system for the Morris Street lot. Under this new system:
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Market customers receive one hour of free parking on Saturday mornings. To redeem this free hour, you must scan one of the posted QR codes located at two different points within the lot. (We will share more info about the locations of these codes soon)
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After the first free hour, the property owner has set the rates as follows:
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$2 for the second hour,
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$1 per hour for each additional hour.
These fees are collected and managed entirely by the property owner.
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We understand that some community members may have concerns about scanning a QR code, the shift from free open parking, or the potential cost for longer market visits. Many of you have come to rely on the lot for years, and any change can feel abrupt. The change to a paid parking model was solely at the discretion of the property owner to help offset the exponential increase in property taxes. DCP and DFM maintain an open and communicative relationship with Measurement Durham and will continue to work with them to maintain clarity and accessibility during the transition.
Alternative parking options:
If you prefer not to use the Morris Street lot, several nearby lots and street-parking options remain available on Saturday mornings, including:
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City Garages and Surface Lots (free on weekends)
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Chapel Hill Street Garage – 326 E Chapel Hill St.
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Corcoran Street Garage – 110 E Corcoran St.
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Church Street Garage – 109 S Mangum St.
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Durham Centre Garage Morgan – 300 W Morgan St.
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Morgan Rigsbee Garage – 105 W Morgan St.
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Street parking on Foster, Hunt, Corporation, Rigsbee, and nearby blocks (free on weekends)
- The lot across from Cecy’s Gallery on Foster Street, bound by Foster, Hunt, Rigsbee, and Seminary is also private but open on Saturday mornings.
- Ellen Cassilly Architect at Corporation and Foster Street has a paid lot which contributes a portion of the proceeds to Durham Central Park.
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The Durham Food Hall will validate parking from the Liberty Warehouse garage on West Corporation Street between Foster Street and Rigsbee Avenue. Take your parking ticket to the Auctioneer Bar to get it stamped for free parking.
Our commitment to you:
Both Durham Central Park and the Durham Farmers’ Market remain committed to maintaining a welcoming, accessible space for everyone who gathers here—whether to shop local, enjoy the park, support our small businesses, or spend time with friends and family. While this change is outside of our control, we will continue to communicate updates, listen to community concerns, and work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to support a smooth transition.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the park, the market, and the many vendors and small businesses who make Saturday mornings a cornerstone of community life in Durham.
With appreciation,
Durham Central Park
Durham Farmers’ Market