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University delays proposed
fences
By Laura Pelner
Campus
Editor
After a recommendation from the University's Architecture
Landscape Planning Committee, Purdue officials decided to delay the
construction of fences around the Class of 1939 water sculpture and
the Loeb Fountain.
The Committee asked Purdue to form an advisory
committee of administrators, students, faculty, staff and community
representatives to analyze the issue. Ken Burns, executive vice president
and treasurer, said at Monday's University Senate meeting that the group
will study and establish alternatives to the plan of using stainless
steel fences and rails.
"The committee has recognized that there are safety
issues that must be balanced with aesthetics," said Burns.
He said that in the mean time the fountains would
only be turned on for special occasions, including commencement in May.
Joe Bennett, vice president for University Relations,
said the fountains would probably be on for only part of each commencement
day, and both the one in the Purdue Mall and Founders Park might not
be on at the same time. "(They) would have to be turned on early enough
before the (graduation) ceremony so they'd be working as people walk
to Elliott," he said.
Bennett said the fountains would remain on until
most of the people have dissipated and finished taking pictures. He
also said that when the fountains are turned on, their usage would be
monitored, though he was not yet sure who would do the monitoring.
Brenda Shea, student body president-elect, will
be part of the new advisory committee. She said she's pleased the University
formed the committee and allowed different people to be a part of the
process, especially students.
"That's all we ever ask for, to have some input,"
Shea said.
One Purdue student who created petitions for students
opposed to the fences is pleased with the University's most recent decision.
Paul Roales, a sophomore in the Schools of Engineering, said, "It's
a step in the right direction … if there's real student input on
the issues, the fountains can be made safe and enjoyable."
The head of the University Architecture Landscape
Planning Committee and professor of computer science, Greg Frederickson,
said he's happy so many people got involved in the fountain discussion.
"I am very pleased about how, for once, I see all this enthusiasm coming
from faculty and students about some aspect of Purdue that I had sort
of taken for granted," said Frederickson. "I think this is wonderful
that there's something about Purdue, the fountains, which people really
love. I hope that doesn't get lost in all the discussion about what
changes have to be made."
These changes stem from the University's need to
increase safety and escape liability. Burns said there have been fountain-related
injuries every year since the structures were built. He said that in
1997 there were five ambulance runs because of fountain injuries.
"We've ignored too long the problems that exist
with these fountains," said Burns. "Without changes, injuries will continue.
Our concern is for the safety of children."
There was one specific case that motivated Purdue
to analyze the problems surrounding the fountains. Bennett said that
last fall a young girl went into one of the fountains, was thrown into
the air and broke her arm.
"That was the (case) that was the last straw,"
said Bennett.
He said it would be great to get a solution soon
so the fountains can be turned on during the summer, but at the moment
there is no such solution available that would make the majority of
people happy.
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CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
(765)
743-1111 ext. 253
Campus editor:
Laura Pelner
Assistant campus
editors: Kurt Esposito,
Dave Stephens
To
send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org
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