Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Paths to Campus Enrichment

  • By Kyle Asire
  • 03/01/17

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

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • California High School Opens New Classroom Building for 7th-, 8th-Graders

    Santa Rosa City Schools in Santa Rosa, Calif., recently announced the completion of a new classroom building for Piner High School. As the campus transitions to a Junior/Senior High School, the facility will play home to the school’s new population of seventh- and eighth-grade students.