new park area construction underway along south side of campus
kim chaudoin |
the park transforms the detention pond required by city building codes into a scenic landscape that will enhance the look of the south side of campus.
a 30-foot fountain is the centerpiece of the pond, which will be surrounded by an iron fence. walking paths and benches will line landscaping that features a wide variety of trees, including sweet bay magnolia, yoshina cherry, red bud, sycamore, willow oak, bald cypress and needle point holly.
a sustainable plant interpretive area is also featured in the new park area. it will include a number of plants and greenery indigenous to tennessee.
construction began last fall but was halted when a natural spring was discovered under the pond halfway through the excavation. the pond, which will include a liner in order to make it an environmentally friendly recirculating pond, had to be reengineered to ensure the spring did not push it up. a solution was found and the construction was postponed until warmer, dryer weather allowed it to be drained and re-dug. construction is anticipated for completion in august.
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