The city’s parking operations would consolidate under a single public-facing brand called Park Newport under a proposal going before the City Council on Wednesday.
In an Aug. 18 memo, Superintendent of Parking Stathis Manousos describes bringing parking operations, customer service, permits, payment, wayfinding and enforcement together under one identity — part of what he calls a larger multi-modal effort to improve parking efficiency and reduce congestion.
The proposed identity centers on a bold universal parking “P” with an anchor positioned behind it, in a navy, aqua and white palette, with the tagline “Park here. Explore more.” Presentation materials show it applied to gateway signs, garage entrances, directional signage, pay stations, meters, enforcement vehicles, uniforms, a mobile app, permit decals, a wayfinding map and a website.
Manousos writes that the initiative is more than a branding exercise, describing the brand as a framework for integrating the city’s parking functions into a more coordinated customer-service operation. Under that framing, parking enforcement would become part of the Park Newport experience, with enforcement personnel positioned as “professional ambassadors who both assist the public and ensure compliance.”
The memo lists expected benefits including easier wayfinding, more consistent payment and permitting, stronger public perception by connecting enforcement with customer service, and support for local businesses and tourism.
Implementation would be phased. The recommended approach introduces the brand incrementally as existing signs, uniforms, vehicles, equipment and technology are replaced or upgraded — starting with the logo, colors and typography, then public rollout through signage and payment systems, then operations, then parking guidance and occupancy technology.
The council meets Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 43 Broadway.
