University Center landscaping takes shape
Released: June 23, 2008
Student workers help landscape outside the University Center.
Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) crews are giving the area around the University Center a new look. The planting of new trees, flowers and other shrubbery are just another part of the University Center project.
"It is our goal to create an aesthetically pleasing floral environment for students, faculty and all who see it," Steve Bertagnolli, buildings and grounds supervisor for FP&M, said. "Our intent is for the campus to look amazing."
The grounds around the University Center are starting to look just that. The project was meticulously worked on by a landscape architect in Madison who was hired by the university for the University Center project. The exact location of the trees, plants, flowers and everything else that is being planted was planned along with the remodeling of the University Center.
The plans call for an eclectic mix of plants to beautify campus. There will be azure maple trees that will give off brilliant color in the fall and adirondack and red jewel cherry trees that will do the same in spring. Overall there will be more than 60 trees planted by the projects end.
Trees aren't the only things being planted. Several native grasses such as switchgrass and little blue stem that were grown locally are being planted. Day lilies, burning bush and arborvitae are all being planted around the University Center.
FP&M crews are working tirelessly to make the center of campus look as beautiful as possible. "The students are working hard to better beautify campus," Project Supervisor Jackie Rawlings said. "With only eight full-time workers during the school year, the help of the students is extremely important." Not only are the students helping make the place they go to school look better, they also enjoy going to work. "Sometimes it can be hard," student worker Jason Teuteberg said. "It’s pretty cool to be outside, though."
The project, which started June 17, is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of fall. "In the fall, when all the final things are planted and the sculptures that are planned to be put up are up, this place is going to look gorgeous," Rawlings said.
- Tom Applegarth,applegartg17@uww.edu
