About this Location

Facility Overview

The Science Parking Lot is an essential on-campus surface parking facility located at Penn State Altoona (Ivyside Park campus) in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Serving students, faculty, staff, and authorized campus visitors, this open-air asphalt parking lot is positioned directly adjacent to the campus\'s primary academic facilities, including the Science Building and Hawthorn Building. Because it is an unobstructed outdoor lot, it features zero overhead clearance restrictions, making it equally welcoming to compact passenger cars, full-sized pickup trucks, tall SUVs, and campus utility vehicles. Parking bays are clearly delineated with standard directional drive aisles designed to facilitate steady traffic circulation throughout the academic day.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned on the scenic Ivyside Park campus, the Science Parking Lot offers direct foot access to key university facilities and local collegiate venues:

Academic Buildings: Immediate 1- to 2-minute walk to the Science Building, Hawthorn Building, and the Force Advanced Technology Center.
Student & Administrative Hubs: Approximately a 3- to 4-minute walk to the Ralph and Anita Slep Student Center and the E. Raymond Smith Building.
Arts & Culture: Within a 5-minute walk of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts, which hosts collegiate theater, gallery exhibits, and musical performances.
Athletics & Recreation: A short 6- to 8-minute walk to the Adler Athletic Complex, home to Penn State Altoona Lions varsity sports, fitness center, and recreation fields.
Scenic Campus Highlights: Steps away from the iconic Ivyside Pond and campus walking paths.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress to the Science Parking Lot are smoothly handled via the campus roadway network connected to Ivyside Drive, Juniata Gap Road, and Broadway. Regional motorists can easily reach the campus via Interstate 99 (US-220), taking the 17th Street or 10th Avenue exits toward campus. Local public transportation is conveniently accessible through Amtran (Altoona Metro Transit), which operates regular campus bus service connecting the Ivyside campus directly with downtown Altoona, the Altoona Transportation Center (Amtrak service), and surrounding retail centers.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Spacious Open-Air Parking: Ample flat surface stalls without vertical clearance constraints.
ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking bays situated near sidewalk ramps for convenient, step-free access to academic buildings.
Campus Safety: Regularly monitored and patrolled by Penn State Altoona University Police and Public Safety, complemented by nighttime pole lighting and campus emergency call boxes nearby.
Pedestrian Connectivity: Paved, lit walkways connect directly from the lot perimeter to campus academic halls and lecture centers.
Campus Signage: Clear signage detailing university permit designations and visitor parking policies.

Ideal For

Penn State Altoona Students: Daily commuters attending laboratory sessions, lectures, and group study in the STEM complex.
University Faculty & Staff: Convenient parking adjacent to departmental offices in the Science and Hawthorn buildings.
Prospective Students & Campus Visitors: Families attending admissions tours, academic conferences, or student presentations.
Event Attendees: Visitors attending campus lectures, gallery openings, and evening performances at nearby campus auditoriums.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking regulations on the Penn State Altoona campus are actively enforced during standard university operational hours (typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Visitors, guest speakers, and prospective students should obtain a temporary guest permit or utilize designated visitor parking options as directed by University Police & Public Safety. During peak class-change hours (especially mid-morning to early afternoon), lot occupancy is at its highest, so arriving 15 minutes before scheduled classes or events is highly recommended. Always verify posted zone signage before leaving your vehicle.