Everyone on upper campus noticed the construction of the new parking lot across from Governors Hall last fall, but did you know the project is far from complete? A few tennis courts and a defunct ice rink were eliminated while building the new lot. The two basketball courts next to the ice rink were moved south, replacing two of the six tennis courts, which were resurfaced in the process.

So, what else is to come of this? I've noticed it needs some explaining since not one student I have spoken to knew about the coming project.

Hilltop Circle and the parking lot in front of Governors Hall are going to see some more changes this summer, with a major project approved to eliminate the circle and enlarge the parking lot. The project, expected to be completed by fall semester 2004, will increase the total parking spaces available on Hilltop Circle from about 72 to about 217, likely making driving residents of Sutherland, Governors, and Horan Halls very happy.

There will be a total of 180 new parking spaces added with the development project, hopefully pleasing students, faculty/staff, university police, health services, hall directors, and the disabled. Student parking will consist of permit, metered, and 15-minute parking, primarily at Governors Lot.

Drivers are not the only people intended to benefit. Walkers will find that parts of Hilltop Circle will be converted to sidewalk and there will be more direct walking routes. The entire stretch of road that goes along the basketball and tennis courts will be converted into a broad sidewalk mall, with the exception of the road in front of Bridgman. This road, which will be widened to accommodate two-way access to the new parking lot, will eliminate the need for the larger loop. The large parking lot itself will still allow for student vehicles as well as utility vehicles to do a loop around with access to all of the residence halls.

In addition, the parking and drop-off loop next to Towers North will be lengthened toward the tennis courts to allow for even more parking and better access to the building. Due to the removal of the section of road along the tennis courts, the green space available for recreation will be increased enough to allow for a full soccer field next to Towers.

There are few qualms among the various university programs affected by this project because they collaborated to have it work both practically and financially for all. Housing & Residence Life gains better access to their buildings. The Recreation program gains a larger area for a soccer field. The Parking program gains more parking spaces.

Tom Patt, Director of University Recreation summed it up by saying, "This was truly a cooperative effort between University Recreation, Parking, Housing, and Facilities all under the auspices of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Services and the Vice Chancellor for Business and Student Services."

So, did students have anything to do with this "truly cooperative effort"? I'm not necessarily against this project, but did any of you hear anything about this plan before today?

Steve Horner, Director of Facilities Planning at UWEC, says that student involvement was one of the pluses of the project. Gary Bartlett, Parking and Transportation Services Coordinator, said he reviewed the plans several times with students holding positions in United Hall Council, and involved his own Parking Student Supervisors in discussions.

Bartlett explained, "Students were just pleased to be getting about 85 more permit spaces, about 15 more meters, removal of the street around Hilltop Circle, extension of the Towers Circle to provide more short term and metered parking, a nice wide sidewalk on the south side of the Tennis Courts, and larger playing field in front of Towers."

A Type II environmental impact assessment was professionally performed in Spring 2003, meaning the project is not major enough to significantly affect the environment and requires no further review. The plan is nearly finalized and currently is up for contract bid. The project should be mostly complete by September and restoration of the site (including the planting of trees and seeding of grass) should be complete by October.