COA Snapshot is a Monthly Feature on COA Employees/Officials
When Walt and Marla Davis were looking for a volunteer opportunity that not only helped the community but also fit their unique schedule, they found one near and dear to their hearts.
“We had been looking around and finally there was something that jumped out at me,” Marla said. “I knew we had to do this.”
In 2018, the Davises discovered the City of Amarillo (COA) Accessible Parking Enforcement Volunteer (APEV) program – and it was a perfect fit.
“At first we started volunteering for everything, and that was a big mistake,” Walt said with a laugh. “We had more hours volunteering than when we were working. What we liked about this program was that it was special to us for many reasons, and it is very flexible and accommodating. If you don’t want to come in that day and volunteer, you don’t come in. It is very easy and rewarding.”
The Davises are both retired and will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary next month. They have two grown children and five grandchildren.
Walt is a disabled veteran having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Both had parents who were disabled, so it is easy to see how the APEV program resonates with the Davises.
“The services provided by the volunteers in the APEV program help ensure accessible parking for those who need it,” said COA City Marshal Jacob Diaz, whose department oversees the program. “Designated parking spaces for disabled motorists need to be protected, and we are grateful for those who volunteer. This helps our entire community.”
The APEV program is quick, simple and convenient. Volunteers determine their own work schedules. Training is provided and the enforcement process is non-confrontational.
“From the time you spot a car that may be parked illegally to the time you get a picture and create a ticket and leave is maybe two to two and a half minutes – at most,” Walt said. “The whole process is very easy and simple.”
And the Davises have seen it all and heard every excuse from those who park illegally – including forged handicapped parking placards.
“We had one person who took a sign off a toilet – like a restroom sign – and tried to use that as a handicapped parking placard,” Marla said.
“We have seen some crazy stuff,” Walt said.
But there is also the rewarding part of the APEV program.
“We have been thanked so many times,” Walt said.
“We have people in parking lots who go out of their way to come up to us and thank us,” Marla said. “There are too many people who have trouble walking and can’t get around, but they still want to go to the store and get what they need.”
Unfortunately, due to health reasons, the Davises recently had to stop volunteering with the APEV program. However, they want the Amarillo community to know this opportunity to volunteer is available to help ensure that handicapped parking spots are kept for those who need them.
“You are helping provide a valuable service to a lot of people,” Walt said.
For more information on the APEV program, go to:
www.amarillo.gov/city-marshal/accessible-parking-enforcement-volunteer/
