August 29, 2005

Student’s dream flowers into reality

MARYVILLE, Mo. – A major addition to Northwest’s campus landscape officially opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, following dedication ceremonies for Centennial Garden, an oasis of plants, trees, fountains and stone that has transformed a vacant courtyard near the South Complex residence hall.

University President Dean L. Hubbard will speak at the dedication as will Student Senate President Abby Stephens.

Filled with the sound of rippling water, the garden contains a number of small “bubbler” fountains, a waterfall and a pool in which students can dip their feet on warm days.

Pedestrians stroll through the garden on a winding concrete path. Granite boulders and a low rock wall provide informal seating.

Workers have also installed a natural gas fire pit of the sort found at ski resorts and other outdoor getaway spots. The fire area, said Lezlee Johnson, associate director of environmental services, serves essentially the same purpose as a campfire and will give students a cozy, rustic gathering spot for evening get-togethers.

Unlike a campfire, however, the fire pit has an emergency shut-off valve, remote indoor controls, an on-and-off timer and other safety features.

Several saplings have been planted in the garden, including species new to the Northwest campus. There are also shrubs, flowering plants and small concrete monuments commemorating “the Quads,” a group of four residence halls that once stood on the site.

Northwest alumnus Brad Snopek came up with the idea for the garden several years ago while still a student at the University. The concept was part of an independent studies project with Syd Weybrew, the University’s ornamental landscape specialist.

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