Facility Overview
The Swisher Circle Commuter Parking Lot is a vital surface parking hub situated directly on the campus of Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg (Bloomsburg University) in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Designed to accommodate high-volume daily commuter traffic, this expansive open-air parking lot features clear directional striping, generous drive aisles, and an intuitive circular flow centered around Swisher Circle. Because the lot is an open-air surface facility without overhead clearance restrictions or low-hanging beams, it easily accommodates all vehicle classes—from compact commuter cars and electric sedans to standard pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and passenger vans.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Strategically positioned between key campus destinations and academic facilities, this commuter lot serves as an essential jumping-off point for campus life and regional activities:
- Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Academic Core: Located within a short walk or a brief campus shuttle ride to primary lecture halls, the Harvey A. Andruss Library, and the Kehr Union Building.
- Upper Campus Athletic Facilities: Within convenient reach of the Nelson Field House, Steph Pettit Athletic Complex, and Robert B. Redman Stadium, making it ideal for collegiate athletic events.
- Historic Downtown Bloomsburg: Located approximately 1 to 1.5 miles south, where visitors can access dining, local boutiques, and coffee shops along Main Street.
- Bloomsburg Fairgrounds: Just a 5-to-10-minute drive southwest, home to seasonal expos, regional events, and the famous annual Bloomsburg Fair.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress to the Swisher Circle lot are straightforward via Country Club Drive and Lightstreet Road (PA Route 487), which seamlessly link commuters to Interstate 80 (Exit 236) just minutes north. The circular layout around Swisher Circle functions as an active campus transit node, featuring dedicated stop zones for the Bloomsburg University Campus Shuttle. These continuous shuttles provide rapid transit between Upper Campus residential/athletic centers and Lower Campus academic quads, keeping vehicular congestion off the interior university roadways. After peak morning lecture arrivals and late afternoon dismissals, the multiple exits ensure a steady, orderly evacuation onto municipal connector roads.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Spacious open-air surface parking with no height clearance limits.
- Direct connection to the Bloomsburg University shuttle transit route for fast campus circulation.
- Dedicated Accessible (ADA) parking stalls positioned near primary pedestrian walkways.
- High-illumination campus light poles and emergency call boxes (Blue Light system) for 24/7 visibility and student safety.
- Regulated permit enforcement during academic terms via digital or physical University Parking Services registration.
- Wide driving lanes that allow easy maneuvering for larger pickup trucks and SUVs.
Ideal For
- Bloomsburg commuter students and off-campus residents attending daily academic lectures.
- University faculty, adjuncts, and staff commuting from surrounding Columbia County and the Susquehanna Valley.
- Spectators, alumni, and visiting sports teams attending Huskies athletic competitions at Upper Campus facilities.
- University visitors, guest speakers, and prospective students arriving for guided campus tours.
Visitor & Driver Tips
University parking regulations are actively enforced throughout the academic year. Commuters and guests should ensure their vehicle is properly registered with a valid University commuter permit or temporary visitor pass displayed or linked via license plate. During Husky home football games and track events at nearby athletic complexes, parking fills rapidly, so arriving 30 to 45 minutes prior to scheduled start times is highly recommended. For the smoothest navigation, enter via Lightstreet Road to Country Club Drive, follow the marked signs toward Swisher Circle, and take advantage of the frequent shuttle buses rather than walking steep campus grades during winter weather.
