Every time I walk through the Brickyard, by Tucker Beach or past some of the bus stops, one question just pops into my head – why are there fences, piles of bricks or other construction materials at these locations?
What is the deal with that large area near the Brickyard that is fenced off? I’m not talking about the Atrium – that speaks for itself – I’m referring to the area around the ramp into D.H. Hill Library. I have yet to see anything being done in that other fenced-off area. And I hate taking the long way from point A to point B.
And what is going on with Tucker Beach? According to Bill Beardall, director of Facilities Operations for Grounds Management, the present layout of Tucker Beach is part of a grand plan to fix the drainage problems, replace the walkways and benches and place the turf. The only part of that plan I ever remember hearing about is the first part – correcting the drainage issues. Steps two and three were a surprise to me.
As for the Brickyard, I have not been able to find out what is officially planned for the area that’s fenced off. Judging from the lack of apparent work in the area, I assume that the University wants to allow the grass to grow or keep the bricks in the walkway clean. Regardless, the lack of a public explanation and the inconvenience of having to walk around the fenced area make for a hassle that no student should have to put up with.
And then there’s the bus stops. The University is finally building some new bus shelters at some of the more crowded bus stops. I’m all for that, particularly when it’s raining and I forgot my umbrella. But the University is also combining the bus stops near the Student Health Center and Pullen Hall into one bus shelter in front of Witherspoon Student Center. Can someone explain why we take down two bus shelters and build a new one when we can simply remove one shelter?
These surprises are just plain annoying. Students shouldn’t have to wake up and suddenly find that a chunk of the Brickyard is fenced off or that Tucker Beach is closed for a new phase of landscaping. We put up with enough nonsense throughout the year to have to start worrying about random changes to the campus.
The solution is simple. The facilities and grounds staffs need to be forthcoming with any major plans that might disrupt pedestrian traffic on campus, prevent students from using areas like Tucker Beach for extended periods of time or waste effort and funds on unnecessary bus shelters.
E-mail your comments about campus construction to [email protected].
