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

  • Countway Library at Harvard Medical School

    From Shadows to Sanctuary: The Transformation of Light at Countway Library

    The renovation of Countway Library at Harvard Medical School demonstrates how biophilic design and advanced lighting strategies transformed a formerly dark, insular space into a vibrant, welcoming hub that supports wellness, learning, and community engagement.

  • DLR Group Appoints New K–12 Education Practice Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has named its new global K–12 Education leader, Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, according to a news release. Her teams have members in all 36 of the firm’s offices in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia.

  • North Carolina District Completes New Elementary School

    The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in Holly Springs, N.C., recently announced that construction on a new elementary school has finished, according to a news release. Rex Road Elementary School measures in at 133,000 square feet and is the fifteenth school that general contractor Balfour Beatty has completed for the district.

  • LSU Breaks Ground on $200M Residential Project

    Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., recently broke ground on a new residential complex, according to university news. The South Quad residential project will consist of two buildings and add a total of 1,266 beds for freshmen students. The development comes with a price tag of $200 million, and it’s scheduled to open to students in fall 2027.

Digital Edition