Work to begin on ‘park’ near Union

Residence Life has informed student residents that work is expected to begin this Thursday (Oct. 25) on development of a park-like area linking student housing to the University Union. A portion of the three-acre site will be fenced off for safety reasons and truck traffic. As shared previously in this newsletter, planners say the area will strike a balance between active and passive activities for students, faculty, staff and visitors to enjoy. Preliminary plans included volleyball courts; an area with picnic tables, benches and grills; a large, level lawn for impromptu Frisbee, soccer, football, kickball and the like; a platform area with electrical power for staging outdoor concerts, speakers and other special events; lighting and landscaping. The cost of the brush clearing, landscaping and improvements will be covered by University Village Housing, Inc., the private non-profit corporation that builds and maintains student housing for the University. Landscaping and lawn work will extend into 2013, in time for an expected fall dedication. For details on the project including photos and sketches, re-visit our original post.