U.S. National Whitewater Center\n5000 Whitewater Center Parkway\nCharlotte, NC  28214\n\nTo whom it may concern,\n\nI made an honest mistake this evening at the US National Whitewater Center, a business I've supported since its grand opening in 2006.  The manner in which the situation was handled left my wife and I stranded with two dogs, no way to get home, and cost hundreds of dollars to correct.  As a business owner who values their patrons, there is no way my customers would receive this kind of treatment. \n\nOn Thursday evenings there is a large turnout.  Tonight was no exception; the parking lots are full.  As you drive near front entrance there are people going back and forth to their cars with: kids, dogs, lawn chairs, church buses, taxis, etc entering the facility.  To the right of the main entrance there are a few parking areas in a dirt lot.  This is the area where I have parked my car for years.  When the area gets full people routinely park beside the roadway in the grass.  Tonight this is where I parked.   What I did not notice in the midst of the commotion upon entering was the addition of signage stating no parking past this point.   As we parked the car a USNWC employee was standing 15 feet away looking directly at me, who smiled as we gathered our two dogs and exited the car.  We then let the dogs visit a few trees, still a stone's throw from the employee and the car.  Upon leaving at 8:45pm I noticed the car was not there.   First thought was it had been stolen, then I saw the signs \""no parking, towing enforced\"".   I then wondered how many times I have parked there before with that sign glaring at me.\n\nThe front desk keeps tabs on cars they have towed, so it didn't take long to discover that was what happened.   They provided me with the towing company's information.   I've never been towed before, so I had no idea what to expect.   The conversation with the towing company was very disturbing. Yes, we have your car but we close in 15 minutes and if you aren't here before then, you cannot get it until tomorrow.   The USNWC isn't exactly bustling with taxis at this point in time, nor is it very close to anything.   A taxi was dispatched immediately, but who knows how long that takes.   I told the towing company I would call them back as soon as I was on my way.  Several employees from the USNWC were nearby and overheard how cumbersome all this had quickly become.  \n\nWhat now had to happen: get a cab for my wife and I plus two large dogs, get to the towing company in 15 minutes, have hundreds of dollars (cash only), provide proof of registration, proof of insurance, copy of driver's license.  Time was the biggest concern as there was just no way manage all this and have any hopes of getting my car back this evening.   I had never thought of it before, but taxi's are not pet friendly.   When it showed up, I took the taxi and my wife plus dogs stayed behind waiting for friends on the east side of Charlotte to pick them up.   By the time I arrived at the towing company, the owner agreed to have someone onsite, provided I met their requirements to retrieve my car.  Friends met me there with cash, I had my insurance card matching the VIN of the car, have my car keys, had paperwork in the car with my name and address on them.  With all this, plus me being frantic and stranded at the location they towed my car from: \""No can do without: title, bill of sale, or registration receipt\"".   Given I want all of these to be in a safe place, I do not keep them in the car.  Long story short, I'm not getting my car tonight and I will not make that business meeting at 8am across town.   Having said all that, I realize that I parked in a spot marked no parking. \n\nIn between realizing my car had been towed and the taxi showing up, I spoke to the manager of the USNWC about my situation.  I asked how long the no parking signage had been there.   He advised it was installed about one month ago.  There is little point in debating the merits of the circumstance at this point because the damage is done.  Nevertheless, I asked if they knew the policy was recently changed, would it be reasonable to put a sticky note on my window indicating the policy recently changed and you cannot park here anymore.  No answer.\n\nWhy did I write this in the first place?  For starters, I'm upset for not seeing the sign and for parking where I shouldn't have.   What upsets me more is a business I had a connection with for years let me down.   Respect for one's customers is what every business should strive for.  A simple warning sticky-note on the window, or a yell \""hey read that sign\"" would have made my day.  Instead I may never return to a place I have hung out with friends for years.  I hold no illusion my experience will affect business there one way or another.   More than anything I find it disrespectful.   I believe those actions give insight to the inner workings of the facility and how its customers are valued.