Two pitted, cracked and pothole-filled downtown parking lots will most likely be repaved by the end of this year. And while that doesn’t sound earth-shaking. It’s a big deal to those who visit and work in the heart of Woodland.

I know this because for years I’ve been muttering about the condition of the City Hall parking lot and the lot south of the Woodland Hotel, both of which I’ve used for decades.

Earlier this month, the City Council reviewed a $1.275 million project to “rehabilitate” the lots, which generally resemble lunar landscapes.

Of course, some folks will disagree. Everyone will have their own “favorite” parking lots that desperately need work, proving my personal axiom about people, cars and driving: “The worst road to drive on is the one I drive every day.”

The same holds true for parking lots. I have never used the public parking lot northwest of College and Court streets. It’s the one covered by solar panels. It’s big and can handle a lot of cars. I don’t use it because it’s too “far” from anything I’d be interested in walking to.

I’d rather park in the Library Parking Lot — although it took me a few years to figure out that one side of the lot has a two-hour time limit and the other has all-day parking.

Sara Andreotti, engineering assistant, reported recently that money for the upgraded parking lots is already in the current Capital Budget, with $575,000 and $700,000 both coming from Measure F, which is the ½ cent supplemental sales tax that provides money for essential city services, including pavement rehabilitation.

Both parking lots are in constant use. And as far as cost, $1.275 million is relatively cheap.

The First Street lot near City Hall hasn’t been upgraded in years and reflects a lot of use due to its location near downtown restaurants and businesses. I have personally detested the lot ever since the city closed off access to Second Street and Dead Cat Alley decades ago. For years, drivers have had to loop into the lot off First Street and drive around looking for a space before coming back to First Street. Once you’re in that U-shaped loop, you can’t get out. There’s no going back; no escape.

The Hotel Woodland lot, located west of College Street, also sees a lot of use due to its location near downtown as well as Bush Street, which has the Woodland Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 77, and restaurants along First Street.

Oh, it’s OK as long as you’re going to the Hotel Woodland for a meeting, luncheon or dinner event. But if you don’t arrive early then you might have to park closer to Walnut Street, and that’s an extra block of walking. (Yes, if it sounds as though I’m getting old and cranky, you’re right.)

“Parking lot rehabilitation is a necessary maintenance activity to reduce hazards for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians by eliminating cracks and potholes,” Andreotti reported to the council, although let me note I’ve never seen a cyclist in either lot. They’re smarter than me.

Here’s the thing we should all think about: The lots will be closed during construction and work will occur in one lot at a time to minimize the effects to downtown businesses, patrons and visitors.

Be prepared for a howl of protest from downtown merchants, staff and patrons who will be inconvenienced, especially those who might have to move their cars every two hours.

Let the parking games begin.

Jim Smith is the former editor of The Daily Democrat, retiring in 2021 after a 27-year career at the paper.