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Practical Landscape Design students wait to present concepts for renovation of the AFLS patio and grounds facing Maple Street, from front left, Adam Moores, Jeff Seigler, Nic Brower, Zac Clark; second row, Riley Mason, Erin Hayes, Shane White, David Whitmire; standing, Assistant Professor Garry McDonald, Billy Towle, Samantha Downs, Kenneth Anderson and Talon Vancuver. Not pictured: Abby Eoff, Adam Jackson, Brittany Peters and Haleigh Smith. Abby Eoff and Kenneth Anderson discuss their AFLS patio and grounds design concepts with Bumpers College Alumni Society board members Penny Storms of Fayetteville and Boyce Johnson of Marion. |
Horticulture Students Present AFLS Patio and Lawn Designs
May 10, 2012
Students in the Practical Landscape Design class taught by Garry McDonald, assistant professor of horticulture, presented their concepts for renovation of the patio and lawn area on the south side of the AFLS Building to alumni, faculty and staff on May 8 in the AFLS atrium. Bumpers College Alumni Society board members including Boyce Johnson, Penny Storms, and Kyle Moery attended the presentations as did University Professor Emeritus Ron Talbert and his wife, Alice.
Johnson of Marion, president of the Bumpers College Alumni Society board of directors, said the board is excited about the plan to develop the space for use by students, faculty and staff as well as alumni who visit, particularly on football game weekends.
Blake S. Bard, Bumpers College director of development, said private support will be used to fund the project. A lead gift has been secured and interested donors will have an opportunity to participate at many levels, Bard said.
"Our vision for this space is to provide a welcoming and comfortable place our students, alumni and stakeholders can be proud of. We have the potential to really transform the south side of the AFLS building into a fun, multi-functional and popular place for everyone to enjoy. The Bumpers College Alumni Society board members have provided tremendous leadership on this project, and our donor interest is encouraging. This is a truly unique undertaking that has solicited the input from our students to our alumni, staff to faculty, and even our corporate entities.”
McDonald said his class enjoyed the real-world experience of preparing, developing, and delivering a design to a real client. “The students had the opportunity to make a significant impact on a project that they will be able to come back one day as alumni and say they helped design.”
The project, which was initiated by the Alumni Society board of directors, was commissioned by Bumpers College Dean Michael E. Vayda to the Practical Landscape Design class and Dr. McDonald for initial design concepts and to provide student input.
"This project will be a culmination of ideas from many angles and serve our college at all levels," Vayda said.
The student presentations included common elements such as plans for a patio cover and new surface, a built-in grill, counters and seating along the east wall and south end of the patio, Wi-Fi access, electrical outlets and a wall-mounted, weather-proof television.
Common elements for the grounds were a prominent sign for the AFLS Building and Bumpers College, fountains, plantings of flowers and small trees, groundcover on slopes, benches and tables, a hard feature or custom paving stones with names of donors, a variety of walkway designs and a more prominent "front door" entryway to the building facing Maple Street.
There was general agreement to not change the planting along the south wall, which includes many herbs and ornamentals not found elsewhere on campus.
A final design will incorporate elements of the student concepts for approval by the college and university administration. For more information on this project please contact Blake S. Bard, bsbard@uark.edu, 479-575-2270.