Everything is coming up roses for the Low Rise apartments, as residents returned to campus to find the concrete courtyard filled with grass and flowers. Over the summer, new underground utilities were installed beneath Low Rise and 12,000 square feet of pavement was removed in the process. New grass and native plantings replaced some of the pavement for aesthetic and environmental reasons.
“It was an opportunity that presented itself when we were installing underground wiring and piping,” said Director of Physical Plant Cliff Ashton. “We would have had to repair it anyway, and we are always trying to improve the grounds on campus.”
This summer, after completing approximately $120,000 of repairs in the courtyard, including installing a new hot water system, Physical Plant decided that it was the perfect time to make Low Rise greener. As a result, the grounds now include several small garden plots, which are filled with rudbeckia, various hostas flowers, Stella Dora lilies, purple coneflowers and grasses.
“The plantings were installed to provide more ’green space’ for the students to enjoy, and in the interest of our commitment to providing a more sustainable campus,” said Physical Plant employee David Hall. “The administration is always seeking environmentally friendly ways to beautify our facilities.”
According to the University’s September 2008 Sustainability Report, the Low Rise plantings were incorporated into the design to reduce heat island effects, as well as allow for more rainwater infiltration and less runoff.
Heat island effects occur when heat radiates from a hard surface—for example, when the air rises above a parking lot on a hot summer day—and is transmitted into the atmosphere. Green space, conversely, is permeable, which absorbs more of the heat.
“Putting in gardens and grass wherever you can really does help make the planet cooler,” said Professor of Earth and Environmental Studies Barry Chernoff.
The plantings also help reduce water runoff because water travels over hard surfaces, like concrete and asphalt, without being filtered, and is later deposited into local streams. The water picks up dirt, salt, oil and other contaminants off the roads before it reaches the water source.
“After it rains in the Middletown area, you can see the bacteria in the local rivers,” Chernoff said. “The bacteria content goes up dramatically. With grass or plants, water goes into the ground, doesn’t pick up any contaminants, recharges our aquifers, and passes though layers of rock ready for reuse.”
Many Low Rise residents appreciate the beautification of the area.
“I think the replanting has added some aesthetic appeal,” said Nicole Lai G’09. “I’ve seen people playing Frisbee and sitting out on the grass.”
Jenny Flax ’10 agreed.
“It’s nice, even my parents commented on it,” she said.
While many students are enjoying the new plantings, some Low Rise residents voiced small complaints about the changes.
“It looks nice, but [the plantings] block the bike ramp,” said Ashik Siddique ’10. “You have to go around and walk down stairs, or go all around Low Rise.”
For several Low Rise residents, the impending winter means that they will not be able to enjoy the plantings for long.
“I think [the plantings are] nice and they bring a lot of life to the concrete building, but I’m not sure if it will be worth it when winter rolls around,” said Becca Mandel ’09, who was a resident of Low Rise last year.
Other students are concerned with the foot traffic that has already damaged the grass and flowers.
“The grass is getting beat up,” Flax said. “People walk over it and there are tire tracks.”
When planning the new grounds, Physical Plant tried to make the design both appealing and practical. By allowing for walkways around the plantings, the courtyard remains convenient for residents rushing to class. As a result, the plan is not only environmentally friendly, but student friendly.
“The plantings were the right thing to do absolutely,” Chernoff said. “I hope the Wesleyan community responds to protecting the green space and the function of those plots, and does not trample on them.”
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