Not all students satisfied with field’s costly upgrades
Winds of change are sweeping through CU campus this fall.
Among a myriad of new buildings and construction, a project proposed five years ago, renovations to Farrand Field, is finished.
First requested by students in the spring of 2002, the project proposed the renovation of campus intramural sports fields, including Farrand. A referendum passed in spring of 2003 approved the project. The Legislative Council gave final approval in April of 2005, allotting a budget of $5.7 million to the project.
Farrand construction began in September 2006. The plans for its massive facelift included leveling the field, new sod, new drainage systems, an 18-inch stone sitting wall along the north and west sides, a wrought iron fence encompassing the entirety of the field and a stage for concerts and entertainment.
The effects of the completed project have been immediate.
“The field is a lot nicer and bigger. I’m not sure if more people hang out here because of it, but the walls are a big improvement from the chain-link fence they used to have here,” said Alex Van Engelenburg, a junior biochemistry major.
Farrand’s renovations also give students more opportunities for on-campus entertainment.
“I think it’s a good meeting spot. I eat lunch here pretty much every day,” said Will Narracci, a junior majoring in biology and Spanish. “I also think it’s cool that now we’ve got a concert venue in the middle of campus.”
A free concert was held on Farrand’s new stage last Saturday for Welcomefest 2007. The show featured hip-hop act Blackalicious, as well as local act 303.
But these improvements do not come without a price. According to the referendum passed in spring of 2003, a student fee of $10.75 is imposed every semester until 2026 to cover the funds for the project.
“I think it’s a bit egregious that they’re charging us extra fees for this, especially since they just raised tuition this semester,” said Dylan Harris, a senior accounting major.
Other students offered a different opinion on that subject.
“I don’t think $10.75 is that big of a deal. Most people that go here can afford that,” Narracci said.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Kevin Lucas at kevin.lucas@thecampuspress.com
