Students at Waynesburg University have noticed caution signs, construction tape and the sound of machinery in the parks around campus. The ongoing renovations, part of a larger town-university collaboration, aim to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall aesthetic appeal of the community.

University President Douglas G. Lee explained that the project was made possible through partnerships between the university, the county and the borough, which collectively manage the parks. Together, the groups secured about $1 million in grant funding to upgrade sidewalks and lighting.

“The parks have always been a shared resource among the county, the borough, and the university, and they just add to the beauty of campus,” Lee said. “This project will improve the lighting, improve the sidewalks so that they are safer and more accessible, and enhance the overall beauty of the area.”

The current phase of construction includes Monument Park and Fountain Park, with plans to extend renovations to the parks near the Presbyterian Church and the Eberly Library. In addition to replacing sidewalks, workers will install new lighting and add a pathway leading to the Civil War memorial on campus.

Old sidewalks removed from the parks are also being repurposed. 

“We’re hauling the old sidewalks up over the hill, where we’ll be building a brand-new 50-car parking lot,” Lee said.

That project, which will include a retaining wall, is in the early stages but is expected to be completed within the year.

Students have expressed mixed reactions to the project. Some, like Sophomore London Richardson, view the parking expansion as “much-needed.” 

“I heard that they are making a new parking lot. I feel like that is definitely a need,” she wrote in an email. 

At the same time, she noted her initial frustrations with the timing of construction. 

“I was annoyed at first because my first thought was ‘Why didn’t they just do this over the summer?’”

Richardson is not alone in her questioning. 

“In my opinion, I think they could’ve done this over the summer when there were no students on campus,” sophomore Kaylee Ayers said.

According to President Lee, the timing was intentional.

“The borough holds Rain Day in the parks every year at the end of July, and they didn’t want that interrupted by construction,” Lee said. “Also, you start too early, and it rains a lot—the cement doesn’t set well. The best time to do this kind of project is about this time of year. Clear skies, low humidity, the cement dries better.”

Other students, like sophomore Cache Rearick, admitted they weren’t fully aware of the details, but still saw the value of the renovations. 

“I am still unaware of what is happening so I am not totally sure what is taking place; however, I’m sure whatever is planned is necessary so I’m grateful for the improvements,” Rearick said.

The sidewalks are expected to be completed within the next month, while the lighting installations may take slightly longer due to supply delays.

The university has also taken steps to maintain safety and accessibility during construction. 

“Before it even started, an email went out letting everyone know about the project,” President Lee said. “There are signs and tape up around the work areas and adjustments have been made to nearby parking. These are just temporary inconveniences.”

Despite the disruption, President Lee emphasized the long-term value of the project for both students and the wider community.

“In the end, it will make for another great feature for our campus.”