As a result of the construction of the new fitness center, the number of parking passes available to students has decreased this year.

According to Assistant Principle John Newton, the fitness center construction will mean the parking lot north of the fieldhouse will no longer be available for parking, limiting the number of parking passes that can be distributed.

For example, while the National Merit Semifinalists used to get 10 passes to share, that number has been reduced to six this year.

“There are (33) people that have to share six passes, so each person only gets a pass for one month,” Eleni Georgiadis, National Merit Semifinalist and senior, said.

In addition to the parking changes for seniors, many people who would usually get a parking pass for injury or academic achievement have been unable to receive a parking pass this year.

According to Newton, the changes would also affect parking for teachers and coaches who teach near the natatorium as well as parents and students who come to the natatorium to swim.

“Those people had to move and go somewhere else,” Newton said.

Newton said there are many other parking spots available for students, including the parking lot directly behind the natatorium, but parking would be tighter than usual.

Despite the parking pass shortage, Newton said he still thinks that the school can handle its reduced parking situation.

According to facilities and transportation director Ron Farrand, the construction of the fitness center is expected to end in May of 2013.

“(The fitness center) will include two gym floors, a two-lane jogging track, (a) relocated Cardio lab (and) classroom,” Farrand said via email.