Facility Overview
The Compton Lot is a dedicated open-air surface parking facility situated on the campus of Frostburg State University (FSU) in Frostburg, Maryland. Positioned directly adjacent to the Compton Science Center, this well-maintained lot provides critical campus access for faculty, staff, commuting students, and registered academic visitors. Because it is a ground-level, open-sky parking lot, there are no overhead height barriers or vertical clearance limits, making it exceptionally accommodating for standard sedans, large SUVs, full-size pickup trucks, and service vans alike. Marked stalls and clear aisleways facilitate smooth two-way circulation throughout the lot.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Conveniently located in the academic core of Frostburg State University, the Compton Lot sits within immediate walking distance of major educational, cultural, and community facilities:
- Compton Science Center: Immediate adjacent access, located mere steps away.
- Lewis J. Ort Library: Within a 2 to 3-minute walk (approx. 200 yards), ideal for students and researchers.
- Lane University Center: Approximately a 4-minute walk, serving as the central student hub for dining, events, and campus activities.
- Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center: Roughly a 5-minute walk, home to university theatrical and musical performances.
- Cordts Physical Education Center & Bobcat Stadium: Located within a 6 to 8-minute walk for collegiate athletic events.
- Historic Downtown Frostburg: Less than a 15-minute walk (or a 2-minute drive) north via College Avenue to local dining, coffee shops, and boutique retail on East Main Street.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Drivers can conveniently reach the Compton Lot via University Drive and surrounding campus connector roads originating off College Avenue (MD Route 638) and Midlothian Road. The lot is positioned with straightforward single and dual curb-cut entries designed for orderly vehicular flow. Access from regional highways is swift: Interstate 68 (Exit 33 or 34) provides direct arterial routing to the university in under five minutes. For public transportation, the Allegany County Transit (ACT) bus system operates routes serving the Frostburg campus, linking students and visitors to downtown Frostburg, Cumberland, and neighboring regional hubs.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Ample headroom accommodating high-clearance pickups, delivery vehicles, and rooftop racks.
- Campus Security & Illumination: Monitored by the Frostburg State University Police Department, backed by overhead campus lighting and nearby emergency call stations.
- ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking spaces located nearest to paved walkways leading into the Compton Science Center.
- Permit & Payment Integration: Utilizes standard FSU campus parking permit protocols, with visitor ticketing or digital guest passes available via official campus portals.
- Paved Walkway Connections: Direct, illuminated sidewalk paths connecting directly into university academic buildings.
Ideal For
- University Students & Faculty: Attending classes, labs, and office hours inside Compton Science Center and neighboring halls.
- Academic Visitors & Guest Lecturers: Convenient proximity for visiting researchers, seminar speakers, and conference attendees.
- Arts & Event Attendees: A practical campus parking option during evening performances and regional weekend symposiums.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Frostburg State University strictly regulates campus parking during regular weekday operating hours (typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday). Visitors should obtain a temporary guest permit from university parking services or utilize designated pay-by-plate/visitor spaces to avoid campus citations. During winter months in Western Maryland, be mindful of mountain weather conditions, snow removal operations, and designated snow emergency routes across campus lots.
