Summer renovations improve Wescoe Beach
- Aug. 15, 2012
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After overflowing with yellow construction tape and crews most of the summer, the Wescoe Beach terrace is scheduled to re-open to foot-traffic tomorrow.
The Wescoe Beach Renovation project updates Wescoe’s nearly 40-year-old exterior. Former Student Body President Libby Johnson led the way to pass the project in May, dubbing Wescoe Beach an “eye-sore.”
Construction was slated to be finished Aug. 1, but some budgetary delays and the heat pushed the timetable back.
To stay within the $250,000 allocated budget, the number of seat-walls and trees were reduced. The revised plan features 12 seat-walls, LED lighting, 10 electrical outlets, new shrubs and 12 new trees.
Although the greenery will not be planted until there is cooler weather next month, the rest of the terrace will be complete.
“The majority of the plaza will be open Friday for students to walk around, use and enjoy,” said Peg Livingood, the project manager.
Though the plan is a little different than what her predecessor had in mind, current Student Body President Hannah Bolton is happy to see it come to fruition.
“We’ve been lucky enough to see the entire progress of the project and we’re really excited with what it’s coming out to be,” Bolton said. “It’s going to be a nice-looking space for more students to use.”
As students themselves, both Bolton and vice-president Brandon Woodard are most looking forward to the new electrical outlets.
“Just to be able to charge your phone, or computer,” Woodard said. “Technology is huge, so it’s important that we provide a venue for students to use it.”
Another highlight is the increased lighting. Student Senate’s Campus Safety Advisory board allocated half of the necessary $50,000 for lighting. University administration paid the other half and matched all project funding dollar-for-dollar.
The additional lighting brings the area up to the University’s lighting standard. Bolton said she hopes the improvement will help students .
The revamped space also allows an additional fifth tabling spot in front of Jayhawk Boulevard for student group use, but Livingood is asking students to wait another week to start reserving spaces.
“Despite those delays, it’s going to be a space where small classes and lots of students can gather,” Livingood said. “I think students are going to love this space.”
— Edited by Kelsey Cipolla
