Troy University has taken cues from its past to create a new space that adds to the campus’ beauty and provides a relaxing, scenic gathering place for students and visitors.
Restoration of the University Lake was recently completed, including two waterfall features, walking trails, a lighted pedestrian bridge, a fountain feature and landscaping. The project represents the third phase of the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, connecting the lake to the pond adjacent to the park’s amphitheater.
The project follows the lead of the campus plan developed in 1928 by the renowned Olmsted Brothers’ landscape architectural firm. Known for the design of some of the country’s most iconic public spaces including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, the U.S. Capitol grounds, and New York’s Central Park, the Olmstead Brothers were enlisted by Troy Normal School President Edward M. Shackelford to produce a plan for the campus.
The firm’s vision included a large, open pedestrian Quad to anchor the campus, along with a music pavilion and spaces conducive for students and visitors to gather in the outdoors. The park, amphitheater, and now the lake, are true to that original vision.
“The lake with its waterfalls, fountain, pedestrian bridge and walking trails provides a beautiful addition to the cultural arts park and is truly in keeping with the vision the Olmsted Brothers had for the Troy Campus so many years ago,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “This provides a beautiful gathering spot for our students and those who visit Alabama’s most beautiful campus.”
Dr. Jim Bookout, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, said the lake restoration represents phase three of a project that first began in 2007. Previous phases included clean up and removal of invasive plant species and construction of an amphitheater and pond. (Read our three-part series on Troy University’s restoration project here.)
“It provides a place for students to enjoy the outdoors in a serene environment,” he said. “The lake enhances the environment and provides another scenic activity space for our campus. It also serves to compliment the other areas of campus. It truly is amazing to see what that area of campus has now become.”
Jack Weaver, President of the Troy University Alumni Association, said the improvements have made alumni even prouder of the beauty of campus.
“The lake project has completed the aesthetic beauty of the western side of the university,” Weaver said. “It adds to the atmosphere of our campus and makes alumni proud of their university when returning to campus but, most of all, it adds an attraction when we are recruiting future Trojans.”
One alumnus who is proud of what the project means not only for the University but also for the community is Ted Clem, President of the Pike County Economic Development Corporation.
“It is a very beautiful addition to the west side of campus,” said Clem, a 1987 TROY graduate. “It provides a great place, not only for students but the community as well, to take a stroll and get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The lake is a great project and really bridges that side of campus with the surrounding community, particularly downtown Troy. Anything that helps tie the University and the community together is a win-win.”
Kaitlyn Williamson, Vice President of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, echoed Clem’s sentiments about the project’s impact on the community.
“The addition of the new bridge and walking trails has created a beautiful, accessible space for people to gather, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors,” she said. “Spaces like this support both physical and mental well-being, which is so important in a college environment. For visitors, the lake enhancements add to the overall appeal of our community. It showcases the pride we take in maintaining welcoming public spaces and gives families and guests another reason to spend time in the area. Overall, these improvements strengthen the sense of community while enhancing quality of life for residents, students, and visitors alike.”
TROY Professor Michael Orlofsky recalls when the area was a “kudzu-choked ravine” and notes that the improvements throughout the area of Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park has made a tremendous impact on the beauty of the campus.
“The restoration has changed the entire look of that side of campus—it is a real park-like environment,” Orlofsky said. “Since Spring semester has started, I’ve noticed students taking advantage of the bridge and sidewalks to take walks around the Lake. I’m waiting for news of the first marriage proposal between two Trojans to take place on that bridge. I end my campus workday by detouring to drive past the Lake, enjoying the water and willows.”
Orlofsky has long had a desire to dedicate a tree on in memory of his parents and the lake restoration has provided the perfect location to do so.
“One of my mom’s favorite trees was the willow, and I realized that the restoration would be a good opportunity to do so,” he said. “I contacted Chancellor Hawkins to learn if such a dedication was possible, and he replied, ‘I love the idea.’ Now that the project has been completed, I like to drive around the Lake trying to decide which is the most attractive willow to dedicate to Mom and Dad.”
Caleb Smith, TROY Student Government Association President, said the feedback he has received from students has been extremely positive.
“I think the general consensus among the student body is that there are new, visually appealing places to walk on campus and enjoy nature,” Smith said. “From my perspective, the newly renovated lake has been a great addition to Troy University and enhances its natural beauty. Students are very keen to enjoying the outdoors and taking walks around our already-stunning campus, and this renovation has made it even more accessible to do so. I know the lake will be a spectacle for many years to come and will make us even more proud to call TROY home.”
This article was originally published by our partners at Troy University here. It appears here in edited form, and was written by Andy Ellis, Director of Communications at Troy University.
