“Gonna Be Ridiculous”; Locals Are Very Worried About Walnut Creek Parking as City Expands

WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Walnut Creek is in the middle of a restaurant boom, with multiple projects breaking ground, and tons more new restaurants on the way. Downtown WC is rapidly becoming one of the East Bay’s hottest dining destinations.

But along with the buzz, there’s growing unease from locals about how the city will handle one of its most basic needs: parking.

We asked locals for their thoughts on parking as Walnut Creek expands, and got some very passionate responses!

“Gonna Be Ridiculous”

Some residents say the city hasn’t fully thought through the parking challenges that come with so many new restaurants. Harold B. of Boyd compared it to the crowded Veranda shopping center, saying the influx of new eateries without adequate planning for parking will be “ridiculous.”

Others voiced frustration that downtown feels like a “money grab” when it comes to meters and enforcement. Mike P. of Virginia Hills argued that resources spent on meter enforcement would be better used on public safety, joking that people have to worry about being “robbed by criminals and the city.”

Some See It Differently

Not everyone thinks parking is a crisis. Michael M. of Parkmead said he’s had no problem finding free or low-cost parking by using places like Broadway Plaza (three hours free), the Lesher Center (one hour free), and Olympic Place near the movie theater. “If I ever have to be downtown for more than three or four hours, it must be something really special, and I’m willing to pay a few bucks,” he explained.

Francine H. of Sky West countered that her experience has been different, noting she almost always ends up paying for street parking, though she warned fellow drivers to watch for private lot enforcement near Sunrise.

A Question of Fairness

For some residents, the issue isn’t just convenience—it’s fairness. Cris S. of Palos Verde pointed out that new large developments should provide their own parking, rather than pushing overflow into existing lots. She and her husband now often choose restaurants in Pleasant Hill or Concord, where “it’s easier to find a parking space (and a plus for those towns is the parking is free).”

Others take a more philosophical view. Bruce S. of Downtown Walnut Creek reminded neighbors that parking is part of the price of living in a vibrant city. “Years ago the city planners put together a plan to make WC one of the premier shopping cities in the country and it worked. Turns out this also makes it a great walking city so park a bit away and enjoy this place.”

Balancing Growth and Accessibility

As the restaurant scene grows, some locals argue that Walnut Creek already has enough garages and should simply adjust pricing to manage supply. David K. of Briarwood North Cherry Lane said he’s happy to pay rather than circle for free spots. Others, like Pawel D. of Downtown Walnut Creek, argued that drivers shouldn’t expect free use of public space, noting that cars are “an inefficient use of land” and that paying for parking is reasonable.

Still, concerns linger. Sue E. of Downtown Walnut Creek pointed out that restaurants are the main drivers keeping downtown alive, and that residents should support them—but she also acknowledged the city depends heavily on parking revenue to fund basic services.

What’s Next?

With so many new restaurants either approved or under construction, the city will soon face the question head-on: can Walnut Creek maintain its reputation as a dining destination while keeping parking manageable?

For now, locals remain divided—some calling for more free spaces, others willing to pay for convenience, and still others urging people to ditch the car altogether.

One thing is clear: as the food scene grows, the parking conversation is only just beginning.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.