Campus Updates Underway

Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium received a facelift this summer, and the organic garden (right) expanded with more growing space.

Summer brought many changes to campus. The outdoor patio of Maytag Student Center was renovated through the Class of 2015’s gift to the college. The patio was not included in a recent $3.125 million renovation of Maytag Student Center but is attached to the new campus restaurant, Fred’s. The renovation created a multi-faceted gathering place ideal for live music events, studying or connecting with classmates outdoors.

Central’s organic garden was also refreshed. Ames Construction, which is working on the Lake Red Rock Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium received a facelift this summer, and the organic garden (right) expanded with more growing space. Hydroelectric Project, donated employees’ time and effort to enlarge the garden by removing a house, shed and trees, then regrading a large section of land. In addition to more space for growing vegetables and herbs, plans include construction of an outdoor classroom.

Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium was also the site of major improvements, including a new entrance. Athletics director Eric Van Kley said a brick-pillared entry that mirrors the entryways for campus will be installed at the southeast corner of the field, with an archway similar to one near the college chapel. New fencing will surround the stadium. The gravel drive at the south end of the stadium is being replaced by a paved path that will provide handicapped accessibility for the visiting team bleachers to the west. Gravel behind the east-side grandstand and bleachers will be replaced by a plaza featuring a combination of grass, trees and concrete.

The service drive for support and emergency vehicles, as well as visiting team buses, is also being reconfigured for easier access, with additional handicapped-accessible parking for Schipper Stadium and the softball field. The softball field will also feature a new handicapped-accessible ramp, which will provide a smoother entrance for all fans. The upgrade is part of an ongoing series of improvements at A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.