CRC landscaping project begins first phase at entrance

The first phase of a long-term landscaping project began last week at the Campus Recreation Center (CRC). The project, which is currently only developing the area in front of the CRC, has temporarily closed the shortcut from Roe Stamps Field to the CRC.

According to Mike Edwards,CRC Director, this is the beginning of the first of four phases in a long-term project design that is intended to make the most of extra space in and around the CRC while beautifying the surroundings.

Phase one concentrates on the development of the area in front of the CRC.

“They’re scraping the poor soil that was laid out there, which was not conducive to growing plants,” Edwards said. “They’re putting in good soil and then laying some sod and put some plantings in.”

Edwards said that this was merely the part of the phase one that could be completed with the available funding. “A design was finally put into place and some funding became available through the Facilities Office,” he said.

The total cost of this phase, according to Jerry Young, the landscape project manager, was $134,000.

The second phase of the plan focuses on the efficient utility of space around the leisure pool in the CRC.

According to Edwards the goal here was to use the space for student functions that take place near the leisure pool.

“We do functions for all sorts of student organizations because of the slide and sunning patio,” Edwards said.

“There’s more area between the leisure pool and Tech parkway that can be captured and utilized for all student functions that go on near that leisure pool,” Edwards said.

The third phase is in charge of seating provisions for spectators of sporting events in the Roe Stamps field by the CRC. Seating would not resemble bleachers, but would blend into the landscape according to Edwards.

“We have an extensive intramural and sports club program. People come to watch, so we want to provide areas for that to happen,” he said.

The fourth phase will include updating the landscape on the back of the building that is visible to the road.

Some students, while supportive of the idea, felt that the landscaping would not affect their decision to visit the CRC.

“I think it’s a good idea, but frankly, I was going to go and work out there, no matter what it looked like,” said Matt Scrudato, a first-year Biomedical Engineering major.

“If it makes the Tech campus look beautiful and enjoyable for the entire Tech community, yeah, why not?” said Matthew Buckner, a second-year Chemical Engineering major.

“I’m always looking for ways to make the Tech campus look better,” said Haldan Gates, a first-year Aerospace Engineering major.

“The CRC looks good as it is anyway, but having a place to sit would be nice,” Gates added.

Brian O’Connor, a second-year Mechanical Engineering major said he support the plan for seating provisions in the Roe Stamps field.

“They do need some bleachers and stuff,” O’Connor said. “Over the weekend there was a lacrosse competition and people were just standing there or bringing sofas out there to sit on.”

This landscape design, while considered in previous years, has only recently been implemented due to constrictions in funding.

“The original CRC construction project, in order to meet the budget, had very little landscaping in the end product,” Edwards said. “When funding became available, the project was started.”

Edwards said that the overall design is beautiful, but that the other phases would only be completed as funding became available and that it would be impossible to project a date for the end of the entire project.

“Landscape projects are expensive…especially if you’d like to do a nice landscape like they are attempting to do all over campus,” Edwards said.

Edwards said that there would be inconvenience during the project, but that landscaping around a building made it more inviting and that there would be more green space for students to socialize.

“There are inconveniences with the fences up. Things will be difficult and students will have to walk around to the entrance instead of using the shortcut,” Edwards said.

Many students, however, appear to be unconcerned about any inconveniences caused by construction and dismiss them for the benefit of the end result.

“The long way just takes thirty-seconds to walk around,” O’Connor said.

George Yim, a fourth-year Management major, said that he felt the same way and that students who are going to the CRC would not mind walking.

“If we’re just walking a bit we won’t be affected. After all, this is the CRC,” Yim said.

“Just don’t be lazy and walk around,” Buckner said. “It’s a minor inconvenience, but if it’s for the common good, it’s worth it.”