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Expanding the UAS trail system
By Ben Nestler
Whalesong Staff
Most students
here at UAS do a lot of walking; we walk everywhere! You may have
noticed the little “nature trails” or “shortcuts”
that have cropped up all over campus… Well, YOU are being given
a chance to improve on this beautiful area with the help of a true
landscape artist!
We have a “landscape superintendent” on this
campus named David Lendrum, but he coordinates more than just landscaping
around campus. One of his goals this semester is to improve the
existing trail system around and through the campus for the enjoyment
of all.
“A trail guide is in the works, knowing where the
trails are and what to expect on them is the basis of universal
access.” Lendrum said. “What we want to do is mesh a university-wide
trail system with the existing city and federal trail systems.”
One of the first things done this year was to improve access to
the shoreside kiosk below the Mourant Building. My Spanish professor,
Rick Bellagh, commented, “A trail around the lake especially
towards Back Loop highway would be a great start to having a trail
around the lake.”
In fact, according to Mr. Lendrum, that is one of the
goals of this survey. To find out if there is enough interest in
expanding the trail-wide system.
UAS student Kim Wickman asked, “Why is the path
from housing to the highway not handicap accessible?” Lendrum
replied, “The reason is that the rise in elevation makes it
extremely difficult to find a solution, and it remains to be seen
if we can pull it off.” He mentioned that they have been in
contact with government agencies to try to find a solution. Another
concern voiced by students was bear/human safety on these new trails.
There are lights on campus if you need to walk trails
at night, and there should have been some bear safety information
presented to incoming freshman during orientation, but if you still
feel like you need more information or have a problem, this survey
is a good way to have your concerns voiced. If you would like to
talk to David Lendrum directly, he’d be happy to hear from
you, the number is 465-6513. Email him at david.lendrum@uas.alaska.edu
you can also go to the Facilities site on the University site directory
and that web page is: http://www.uas.alaska.edu/facilities_services.
On the website is a comments button if you would rather comment
online. Thank you for your help in landscaping a better campus for
all of us!
Email Ben Nestler at joker12123@hotmail.com
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