Leavenworth has launched its parking program for locals. Here’s how to sign up.

LEAVENWORTH — Residents living within the Upper Valley Park and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) boundaries can now register for a discounted parking rate in downtown Leavenworth.

City of Leavenworth’s new PRSA resident rate offers $1 per-hour parking for up to three hours daily. Parking can be extended in lots, but costs will revert to the standard market rate after three hours. On-street parking only allows for three-hour parking.

The PRSA covers Leavenworth and the adjacent unincorporated areas, including portions of Chumstick Highway, Icicle Road, East Leavenworth Road, and Peshastin.

Residents can sign up by navigating to “Permits” at parkleavenworth.com, then selecting “PRSA Local.” Applicants will be required to sign into their existing parking account or create a new one. After registering vehicles, the portal will ask for documentation to be uploaded: a lease agreement or a utility bill, a driver’s license or local ID, and valid registration with a matching address.

Once the application is completed, the applicant will receive a confirmation that it was received and under review for approval. According to the city, document reverification will be required annually.

Using the same permit portal, downtown employees can sign up for the new Employee Parking Program, which aims to offer convenient parking at a discounted rate. Program participants pay a $50 monthly rate to park all day, everyday in designated lots: Blewett Annex, Dragontail, Freund, Glacier, and Horseshoe Lake. Parking is first-come, first-served.

The program is open to the first 50 participants. The permit requires proof of employment, such as a current paystub, letter from employer, or a valid business license, as well as their vehicle registration.

Though the programs are designed to provide more affordable and convenient parking, there are opportunities to park for free in and near downtown.

Free parking is available at local park-and-rides and city parks. Though seasonal, both Waterfront and Enchantment parks have free daily parking. Free parking is also available at the Leavenworth Park-and-Ride, located at 990 US-2, and the Wilkommen Park-and-Ride, located behind Safeway; LINK Transit offers a free shuttle into town.

The city itself offers several free options. All on-street parking is free before 9 a.m. daily, after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and after 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Eightmile Lot, located behind Leavenworth City Hall, offers free three-hour parking on weekends and after 4 p.m. on weekdays. On weekdays, parking must be validated through city hall or the library.

According to the city, the parking office also offers free three-hour parking daily. It is located at 1451 US-2, the site of the old car wash.

Vehicles with ADA placards or license plates can park for free at any regular on-street parking space as well as designated ADA stalls in city lots and on-street.

The City of Leavenworth also recommends Cascade School District lots on weekends and official school breaks, including Alpine Lakes Elementary, Cascade High School, and Icicle River Middle School.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media