The University took its efforts to protect the Indian Mounds even further Saturday.
The 6,000-year-old hills are a common place for children to play on game days, but they were surrounded by a fence and signs Saturday.
The mounds were surrounded by yellow ropes the Friday before the West Virginia game, and the ropes were removed the following day.
“We need to stop the flow of traffic on game days because the mounds are collapsing outward. We didn’t know that years ago, but we do now,” said Brooks Ellwood, Robey H. Clark Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics.
Tim Poche, a fan tailgating near the mounds Saturday, said the University’s decision is a political statement that robs children of the tradition of sliding down the mounds.
“I don’t think 12-year-old kids sliding down the mounds seven times a year will make a difference,” Poche said.
Gordon LeBlanc, who was also tailgating near the mounds, said the University should provide green space for children to play during game days if it continues to prohibit access to the mounds.
A University news release says the University is looking into alternative places for children to play during game days.
“They don’t seem to be in any worse shape architecturally,” said Baton Rouge resident Donovan Davis. “Kids having fun is more important.”
Molly Copeland, sports administration junior, said she understands the importance of preserving the mounds but blocking them off takes away from visitors’ experiences on campus.
“Unless they can prove it’s game day that’s causing the problem, they shouldn’t rope them off because people walk on them any other time,” Copeland said.
Sarah Dobard, biology senior, said it’s a good idea to block off the mounds to preserve history.
The University has launched a “Save the Mounds” campaign after early research on the mounds declared them endangered, according to the news release.
“I’m just glad they blocked them off,” said Baton Rouge resident Kelly Bergeron. “I think it’s important to preserve them.”
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Contact Celeste Ansley at [email protected]