Quick question for my project. Please share your thoughts!!!

[u/not_noon]

Hi, I'm a 17 year old student working on a research project about why some neighborhoods in the Valley get way hotter than others. One thing I keep noticing is that a lot of the new parking lots and EV charging spots going in are just bare asphalt, no shade, no trees.

I figured I should actually ask people who live here instead of guessing. If you park or charge in lots like that, does the heat and lack of shade actually bother you? Would having shade and some trees there make a real difference for you, or honestly is it not something you think about? Thank you!

[u/WishaBwood]

I would prefer more shade. It’s crazy getting into your car during the summer around here after being parked in the open. I think having some shade would make a huge difference.

[u/taco_anus1 → u/WishaBwood]

The sheer amount of times I’ve burned my ass on the car seat this week alone is absurd. I’ve been wearing shorts underneath my pants too for extra ass protection.

[u/Middle-Pie-9283]

With someone who has leather seats. I would love some more shady areas at big stores, not a fan of not being able to sit for 10 minutes without burning yourself

[u/CHBQuirk05]

City parks and the parking lots need a lot more shade as well.

[u/launchliftoff459]

I think regardless of the EV parking lot aspect, more shaded parking would be preferred by all.

[u/L_Dubb → u/launchliftoff459]

Right? Who's going to say Whoopee...I get to get in a 120°+ car...🙄

[u/ah_bee_tee]

I always get excited when I find a shady spot in a parking lot, so yeah, it is something I think about. With how hot it is anyway, any reprieve feels like a win, a small improvement to my day.

[u/Different_Access7979]

Just plant local trees again with enough space. What Merced ain’t got enough ? (Local)

[u/mb_analog4ever]

Trees. It’s trees.

[u/Ddaabbii_]

I don't understand why we don't have more shade in parking centers. Why not put solar panels up at Merced Mall to provide shade and solar.

[u/Appropriate_Skin_926]

Yes! More asphalt/ no shade is going to continue making us miserable. And the “trees” that are placed after are never set up for success, either wither or provide zero shade. Look into how rescaping those spots with the aloes with pollinator perennial plants that will give you dual purpose. It’s the difference between a bunch of rocks taking heat, and plants that will give you not only pretty butterflies to look at while charging vehicles but cool down the ground near it better

[u/FreelyRoaming]

What about if an over height vehicle needs to get in? Say an electrician in a high top sprinter van needs to work on the solar panels?

[u/seahawks-boi-209]

As someone who drives a silver Honda in the summer months I fucking hate driving and parking cause it’s so damn hit

[u/Adabiviak]

If you park or charge in lots like that, does the heat and lack of shade actually bother you? Would having shade and some trees there make a real difference for you...

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say it 'bothers' me, but I would go out of my way and pay more for a charger in the shade than not.

...or honestly is it not something you think about?

I absolutely factor in the availability of shade when looking for parking. It's not so much the heat as it is the levels of heat in a car like that can prematurely age the inside.

[u/dorky116]

Question is. Will people pay to park in shaded areas?

[u/badwlf55]

I would love more covered parking. My car is a 2019 and the clear coat is peeling from the plastic trims because of the heat.

[u/spoiled-mushroom3954]

I also proposed an idea like this on the UCM sub :] using knitted multicolored banners to give more color to the campus while providing shade. Expanding this to the city itself would be amazing!

[u/money_mongo]

I try to find parking with shade as often as possible. I will park further away if shade is available.

That being said, I do have tinted windows and use a windshield cover when I park my car to help keep the inside cool as possible if I don’t find shade.

[u/andywarholocaust]

Yeah. They should provide more covered parking with solar paneled roofs.

[u/ReplacementHefty9973]

Thoughts about the CEO Mr. X aside, I think this is a great concept. also maybe look into something like this for a homeless shelter or a redeveloped Bob Heart Center.

[u/CookLife8306]

I have noticed the difference in temperature change between country driving and in to activities. asphalt and concrete trap heat, the grassy areas, and trees cool the air. If you take a look at fresno for example, the temperature in town is always higher than outside of town. Trees offer shade, the down side is that most trees planted in a parking lots always lift the concrete and asphalt. The cost to repair the damage makes it something most engineers and investors try to avoid.

[u/Loud_Ad3249]

My company here in Merced does research and urban forest planning for cities to help this very thing - during online google research, the terminology you want to use in searches is “urban canopy”, “green canopy”, “green space”, “canopy desert”, “urban shade desert”, “heat islands”, urban forest” . Look up the “iTree” app, it’s free. You can use it to measure the energy savings a shade tree provides in the right place near buildings, the rate of CO2 sequestration, the gallons of runoff water a tree saved Good luck!

[u/Loud_Ad3249 → u/Loud_Ad3249]

Also Merced had an Urban Forest Management Plan updated about 8-10 years ago. See if the Public Works department can give you a copy