Carson-Newman University opens two new student spaces on campus
November 1 included two ribbon cutting ceremonies on campus. One celebrated the opening of West Campus Commons and one marked the opening of a student recreation park.
Carson-Newman University began the month of November with celebrations to mark the grand openings of two new spaces for students on campus. Ribbon cutting ceremonies occurred on November 1 for both West Campus Commons and for a new recreation park.
According to an article on Carson-Newman University’s website, Charles A. Fowler, the university’s president, remarked on the new spaces, saying, “Ribbon-cuttings always represent newness and progress. Therefore, having an opportunity to celebrate two in one day is very exciting for the entire Carson-Newman family. Both the West Campus Commons and the Recreation Park will create spaces where students will gather, community will be shared, and [the] mission of Carson-Newman will be advanced. Thankfully, both of these projects raise the bar of excellence for residence life and recreation on Carson-Newman’s campus.”
Student feedback was heavily involved in the planning and executing of the new West Campus Commons buildings. West Campus Commons is two buildings, East Hall and West Hall, which are connected by a “Community Connector” area. West Campus Commons has both housing and study and recreation spaces, as well as a food market overseen by Fresh Ideas, which provides food in other areas of campus. The dormitory areas of the buildings house 524 beds, and the Community Connector portion has gathering spaces, gaming areas, open study areas, and breakout areas for study groups to convene.
To ensure that students are safe in the new building, a resident assistant will be present on each floor, as well as a residential director to oversee the building. Additionally, the building is only accessible by keycard and has numerous security cameras throughout.
The student recreation park is also located on the west side of campus. The park is intended to provide many options for student recreation, so a basketball court, pickleball court, sand volleyball court, soccer pitch, and softball field are all present in the park. The area has entirely new lighting, as well.
For more information about Carson-Newman University, visit the school’s website.