In the heart of the main
campus of the university is a six-acre
greenspace that had been used as an overflow
parking lot, and a site for "pick-up" ball
games. It is located next to the Downing
University (Student) Center, and the central
walkway that serves as the primary pedestrian
throughway across the campus.
In an effort to create a more refined
multi-use space, WKU hired
DDS ENGINEERING,
PLLC
to create a Master Plan for this area that was
to become known as South Lawn. Intermittent use
by vehicles during ball games was desired to
co-exist with the pedestrian access that the
site usually provided. South Lawn would be the
foreground for new Guthrie Clock Tower and the
site for graduation ceremonies, fund raising
get-togethers and other non-sport outdoor
events.
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South Lawn, WKU |
DDS ENGINEERING,
PLLC
performed field reconnaissance, a topographic
survey, site analysis, and office calculations
to support the preparation of a topographic map
at one-foot contours, and used this map as a
base for the Master Plan. The plan itself
utilized grade changes for drainage and site
definition, screening berms, and sidewalks that
provided pedestrian access and served to
visually unify the site.
Detailed planting plans were created which
provided screening between a paved parking lot,
service areas of the student center and the lawn
area, and heightened the importance of
pedestrian connections. A stone wall was
designed to separate the tailgating area from
the concession and pedestrian area. Conceptual
lighting plans and seating areas were suggested
for future use.
Date Completed: Spring 2001
Construction Cost: $100,000.00
Client Contact:
Ben Johnson, PE
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
270-745-2075
Project Location: Bowling Green, Warren
County, Kentucky
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