It can be tough to find parking in Asbury Park, especially around the holidays. The city is trying again to shed that stigma and improve its parking reputation by offering free parking spots around the business district this winter.

“It's definitely needed. Last year it was a big success. So we need to have it done again. We need to get our locals back,” said Jen Bennett, whose daughter owns Foolish Ginger gift shop on Cookman Avenue.

That’s the goal of Asbury Park’s newly expanded Free Parking initiative - bring visitors back to the city during the holidays – and spend their money at shops like Foolish Ginger and Mogo Tacos.

“That's pretty exciting news. It's a stigma around here we've heard from every other business owner that I've talked to. The problem is, it's hard to get traffic out here. A lot of people can't actually park,” said Alex Pizzo, the general manager of Mogo.

One of the new initiatives this year is free parking at the often-overlooked Bangs Avenue Parking Garage on Friday nights and all-day Saturday and Sunday through December.

“It's the best-kept secret here in Asbury Park. People who complain about parking…there's plenty of parking. This garage is empty on weekends,” said resident Robert Weiner.

Besides the free Bangs Avenue garage access on Friday evenings and weekends, free parking is coming citywide every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Three lots along Ocean Avenue by the Carousel, Stone Pony, and Wonder Bar are free through the winter, thanks to an agreement with the city and developers iStar.

The free parking areas and times are as follows:

Asbury Park free parking schedule

605 Bangs Avenue Parking Garage

November and December

Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All on-street metered parking spaces

Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.