Daniella Tebib
News Editor
Before renovations of Woods Park begins, the University is taking input from the community in an open house on Thursday, Feb. 6, where the project’s design committee will display their potential design.
Woods Hall was demolished in 2019 after it experienced water damage and mold growth. After its demolition, McGinnis said the Board of Regents approved to raze Woods Hall in December 2018 with the goal of retaining as many parking spots as possible while converting the area into green space.
“The goal of the Woods Park open house is to seek input from our students, the campus community and larger Murray community regarding a proposed layout and amenities for what is currently Woods Park,” said Carrie McGinnis, director of alumni relations.
To create a design for the open house, a design committee was created which includes several representatives from the University and City of Murray. From the committee’s suggestions, Jason Youngblood, director of facilities management, and Angela Lampe, associate director of facilities design and construction, collaborated with landscape design team Bacon-Farmer-Workman to create a prospective design for the event.
According to the press release, Woods Hall was originally named after Ralph H. Woods, the University’s fourth president, and was designed with four objectives including beauty, utility, comfort and safety. The committee plans to honor these four objects and previous president Woods in their new design proposal.
To further the commemoration of Woods Hall, glass bricks and blocks that were salvaged from the demolition may be used in a permanent monument in Woods Park. Throughout the demolition, several original magnolias and other mature trees were preserved for the park as well.
“It has been the goal of the planning committee and the landscape design team from initial conversations that Woods Park be beautiful and functional for our students and the surrounding community, that it is adaptable for outdoor campus events, study space, health and wellness and student philanthropy, and that it is safe and well-lit,” McGinnis said.
Some students are excited about the prospect of more green space on campus.
“I think a green space on that side of campus is a great idea,” said Kiara Jones, sophomore from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. “I really think they should consider adding a dog park because a lot of people have emotional support animals.”
McGinnis said there is currently no estimated timeframe for the project as they are still early in the planning stages. They plan to receive funding from public and private funds.
The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the Waterfield Library. Students and other members of the community are encouraged to attend and share their suggestions and feedback on the future layout and amenities for Woods Park.
