EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College is in the process of updating its main campus. Much of that work happened this summer.
Updates to HCC's main campus include a renovated foyer area by the student center, additional sidewalk space for water drainage and a space called the "green area" in the middle of campus. Once a donor is named, the green area will be renamed.
"We think it's going to add to the overall aesthetics of the community," said HutchCC President Dr. Carter File. "We hope it gives community members more space. We are a community college and the college is owned by the community. We want them to utilize that space."
So far, Prairie Landworks Inc. has constructed an outdoor amphitheater between Lockman Hall and Speare Hall and Gowans Stadium. Artificial greens will be laid out around the amphitheater and in front of it.
Four tennis courts with a surrounding fence were taken down to make room for two pickleball courts. A walkway was also constructed to make room for food trucks, flower beds and additional lighting.
File said the green space can be used by anyone in the community for events or leisure activities. He said the lighted walkway will help address campus safety.
"Not that we have a problem with safety, but from time to time there's a concern that our campus didn't have enough light and now this path is going to be lit from dark until dawn," File said.
Off campus updates and upcoming projects include additional space added to the Peel Center for nursing training and simulation space. The cosmetology school also has plans to add extra space for a barber school in the coming year.
For more information on the college, go to hutchcc.edu.
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