 | Board of Visitors minutes October 9, 1998 |  |
ESTABLISHMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR A "GROUNDSWALK" TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE UNIVERSITY
The following resolution was adopted:
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors recognizes that the origin of incorporating a "Groundswalk" into the University's Master Plan goes back several decades when the University was considerably smaller; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors also recognizes that the timing for design and development of a "Groundswalk" is currently appropriate both as the Master Plan is being revised and major projects are planned along its path; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors envisions that the "Groundswalk" would substantially aid in the "unification" of the University Grounds and increase the level of safety and transportation efficiency for pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, reduce the relative need for parking facilities, as well as improve the urban environment of the University; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors has established a set of guidelines and objectives for design and construction of the Groundswalk; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors believes by meeting these requirements, the Groundswalk could substantially improve the walking environment within the University Grounds while respecting its common heritage;
RESOLVED that the development of the "Groundswalk" and incorporation into the Master Plan requires several components which must be met or maintained; the first two of which are critical:
The primary requirement is safety. This would include separation of pedestrians from vehicular traffic and bicycles, as well as requiring lighting, addressing surveillance needs, providing adequate visibility and enabling access for emergency vehicles.
An individual, bicyclist or handicapped person should be able to travel from North Grounds to Scott Stadium and eventually to the student residences beyond without having to climb stairs or stop for city traffic. In order to do so elevated walkways, bridges, and moderately sloping grades would be incorporated into the design.
The main walkway itself should be wide enough toaccommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic and, attimes, emergency vehicles, including at certain points enough space to permit safe convergence oflight mass transit.
The "Groundswalk" should aesthetically and functionally enhance the urban environment of the University by aiding and encouraging walking and bicycling. Its design should conform with Jeffersonian characteristics by maximizing brick and neoclassical features that blend into the existing architecture.
Future development along the Groundswalk should be designed to accommodate and function with the walkway,not compete with it. Future building and constructiondesign should not interfere with the main purpose and requirements of the walk described above but rather fitin just as buildings along a natural watercourse would relate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Buildings and Grounds Committee shall instruct the Architect of the University to communicate these requirements to all engineers, architects, or other professionals currently or in the future engaged for projects within the University Grounds.
| Board of Visitors minutes October 9, 1998 | |