Facility Overview

R Lot is a dedicated open-air surface parking facility situated in northern New London, Connecticut (ZIP 06320), directly within the collegiate corridor along Mohegan Avenue (Route 32). Flanked by prominent regional institutions including Connecticut College and the United States Coast Guard Academy, this spacious asphalt lot provides essential, practical vehicle parking for academic affiliates, resident students, staff, and campus visitors. Because it is a flat, surface-level parking lot without overhead barriers or covered decks, it offers open-sky clearance that comfortably accommodates full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, passenger minivans, and high-roof transport vans without the height restrictions typical of structured garages.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

R Lot holds a prime position for reaching athletic, educational, and cultural venues across the upper New London area. Key nearby destinations include:

• Connecticut College Campus: Just a brief 3 to 7-minute walk to major academic halls, student residential buildings, and the Palmer Auditorium performing arts center.
• Connecticut College Athletics Complex: Located within a 5-minute stroll of the Dayton Arena, Silfen Track & Field, and the Charles B. Cowing / Luce Fieldhouse athletic hubs.
• Connecticut College Arboretum: Accessible within a 10-minute walk, offering 750 acres of botanical gardens, walking trails, and native New England plant collections.
• United States Coast Guard Academy: Positioned less than a half-mile away directly across Route 32 and south towards Riverside, making the lot a convenient jump-off point for public ceremonies and tours.
• Downtown New London Waterfront District: Situated less than a 5-minute drive (approx. 1.8 miles south), providing access to historic Thames Street dining, the Garde Arts Center, and cross-sound ferry connections.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Mohegan Avenue (Connecticut Route 32), a primary four-lane arterial that links New London to Norwich and provides instant connections to Interstate 95 (Exits 83/84) and Interstate 395. The entry apron provides smooth transitions for low-clearance passenger cars, and wide interior turning radiuses ensure hassle-free two-way vehicle movement. For public transit users, local Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) bus lines run along the Route 32 corridor, providing scheduled connections to the downtown New London Union Station (servicing Amtrak Northeast Regional and Shore Line East commuter trains) and the Cross Sound Ferry terminal.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Headroom: Unlimited overhead clearance accommodating oversized personal vehicles, rooftop carriers, and utility trucks.
• Well-Marked Parking Bays: Clearly striped standard-width bays with dedicated ADA-accessible accessible stalls positioned near pedestrian egress pathways.
• Nighttime Illumination: High-mast perimeter floodlighting for added visibility and pedestrian security after dark.
• Pedestrian Connectivity: Direct sidewalk links leading into campus walkways and sports facilities.
• Surveillance & Patrols: Regularly monitored by local campus safety and municipal patrols.

Ideal For

• College Students & Visitors: Campus residents, prospective students on guided admissions tours, and visiting families.
• Athletic Event Attendees: Spectators attending collegiate hockey games at Dayton Arena or track and field events.
• Arboretum Hikers & Nature Lovers: Outdoor enthusiasts spending the day walking the curated native plant trails and scenic pond loops.
• Daily Commuters: Regional travelers seeking easy vehicular access off Route 32 with immediate highway continuity.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When planning to park at R Lot, review posted campus signage carefully upon arrival, as lot designations may require student, staff, or visitor parking decals or temporary event passes during peak academic hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Weekend parking and evening event access are typically relaxed, but major athletic tournaments, graduation ceremonies, and alumni weekends can lead to higher stall occupancy. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to scheduled game tip-offs or auditorium performances to secure an easy stall near the pedestrian walkways.