Work in progress sign on simmons lawn
California Baptist University has always had well-maintained landscaping, and over the past few weeks, several grass lawns around campus have been undergoing maintenance.
The lawns near Brisco’s, the Yeager Center, Palm Drive and other areas had signs placed along the edges of the grass that read, “Landscape Renovation Project in Progress. Please Excuse Our Mess.”
Other signs ask passersby to stay off the grass while the work was being completed, which temporarily changed some students’ usual routes to class. Lindsay Lee, junior nursing major, noticed the adjustments as she navigated campus during the renovations.
“I will be up for my 7 a.m. [classes] and the sprinklers are running. So where I usually have to cut through to make it all the way across campus, I can’t go that way because the water is filling the walkway,” Lee said.
Lee said she still enjoys the grass lawns, even though she does not have access to some at the moment. She complimented the landscaping, saying “the lawns are generally prime.” She added that she and her friends like to sit on picnic blankets to study, play cards or pass a volleyball on the lawn.
Another student, Dakota Walker, freshman communication sciences and disorders major, also discussed the renovation project and how the changes have not significantly impacted her routine.
“I like to cross the grass to get to places, but [the renovations] been good with my time management,” Walker said.
Walker mentioned that the Front Lawn is her favorite, which has not yet begun maintenance.
“I find myself on the lawn as much as I can. I like to sleep on the lawn for a couple hours… Recently, my roommate and I would go running here [on the front lawn],” Walker said.
Many students wondered why the renovation work was being done. Ed Schmachtenberger, manager of athletics grounds and outdoor facilities, explained the process.
“Right now, quite a bit of the grass is undergoing what we call overseeding. We have Bermuda grass that turns brown in the winter, so to keep it green during school, we put down rice grass seed that keeps everything green. Then that transitions out in May.” Schmachtenberger said. He explained that Facilities Services performs this routine every academic year to help the campus look its best.
The renovation process typically takes four to six weeks, so students should expect most of the maintenance to be completed soon. Facilities Services staggers the work so not all lawns are unavailable at the same time. Schmachtenberger said that they do this especially with the Front Lawn in mind, waiting until after the Fortuna Bowl to begin renovations there.
“[The lawns] aren’t only there for recreation, but for people that want to sit out there and just rest and relax. A lot of students go out there to study. We’re just providing a great environment for the students here,” Schmachtenberger said.
Students often enjoy the Riverside weather by lounging or being active on CBU’s lawns. And although some favorite spots may be temporarily closed, the renovations will help keep the campus landscape enjoyable for everyone.
