Paths to Campus Enrichment

Offering pathways designed for pedestrians and bikes, greenways are increasingly becoming popular additions in cities across the nation. With colleges and universities competing to recruit students, a campus with a greenway enhances curb appeal and becomes increasingly attractive to potential applicants.

While a traditional greenway in a city connects different neighborhoods and communities, a greenway on campus connects campus buildings and facilities while providing a scenic and relaxing atmosphere.

Prime locations for jogging and walking, the paths can be an extension of a campus’ wellness facilities as an additional avenue for increasing student health. Simple exercise stations, such as pull-up bars and monkey bars, can also be placed along the trail to provide further workout selections, or recreation areas, like volleyball and basketball courts, can add additional options for group sport activities and exercise.

A greenway by itself will enhance campus life, but additional expansions on the different paths offer opportunities to further improve the student experience. For example, a garden placed along the path offer opportunities for both quiet meditation and study. On the other end of the spectrum, social spaces scattered throughout the greenway create additional collaboration and meeting areas for students.

Take a conveniently placed BBQ terrace. This simple addition gives students a place to cook and dine, a space to meet with friends and make new ones. Opportunities for bolder expansions are also present. An outdoor amphitheater can provide additional event space for live music, theatrical productions or large campus organization meetings.

Perhaps what is most enticing about a greenway is the versatility. The pathways can be simple or complex. Either way, students and faculty alike will find their lives enriched.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Kyle Asire is territory manager, California, for Gordian (www.Gordian.com). Contact Kyle at [email protected] or 415/308-2050.

Featured

  • Stanford Completes Construction on Graduate School of Education Facility

    Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., recently announced the end of construction on a new home for its Graduate School of Education, according to a news release. The university partnered with McCarthy Building Companies on the 160,000-square-foot project, which involved two major renovations and one new construction effort.

  • Photo credit - Chuck Coates

    Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

    Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses.

  • Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, OR

    Preserving Legacy, Designing for the Future

    As historic academic buildings age, institutions face a difficult decision: preserve and adapt or demolish and rebuild. How do we honor the legacy of these spaces while adapting them to meet the needs of modern learners?

  • California K–12 District Completes Elementary School Campus Replacement

    The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) in Richmond, Calif., recently announced the completion of a replacement campus for Lake Elementary School, according to a news release. The school has capacity for 470 students between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and sixth grade.