Eastern Michigan University is on track to open a new park space on campus within the next two weeks.
The fencing is scheduled to come down soon to give students time to enjoy the space before the winter weather sets in.
The green space is taking the place of the former Jones-Goddard residence halls and Brown-Munson apartments. The space was originally projected to open in October; however, there have been delays due to the goals of the space and routine setbacks, Vice President of Communications Walter Kraft said.
“Projects like this need to be flexible,” Kraft said.
Although there were delays, the plan was always for the space to be open in the fall.
Kraft said that even though the timing of the opening did not go according to plan, it’s still a fall opening, which is what the university was hoping for.
The new space will feature a plaza, sidewalks, preserved trees, benches, seating and limestone salvaged from the old Jones-Goddard site. Wi-Fi will also be available in the park, which will allow classes a new place to meet and grant students a new space to work on homework. Furthermore, there will be accommodations made for the space to host food trucks.
Chris Grant, the grounds manager for EMU, said the previous space of the Brown-Munson apartments needed grass and trees, but the former area of the Jones-Goddard residence halls is getting sidewalks, seating areas and power hookups for food trucks. While this will increase the workload for the maintenance plant, Grant said the space adds character to the campus.
Kraft said the goal for the park is to provide a gathering area in a space where there wasn’t one.
Kraft said he hopes this new park will be utilized as a place to read, do homework, meditate and gather. The addition of these green spaces is part of EMU’s overall commitment to sustainability and fostering a communal, open environment, he said.