Wave of Change: Tennis lights, River House improvements

August 26, 2022

If you’ve returned to campus and think you’ve noticed some new additions, you’d be right.

Earlier this summer, we detailed some changes that were underway or had already been completed on campus, including new furniture, renovations to the Kinne Center and new appliances in residence halls. 

Since then, some more have been completed, and they’re all things students specifically requested.

Last fall, nearly 600 students shared their input about what they wanted to see changed on campus. Of that group, 30 students participated in three, hour-long focus groups to better understand their responses to the survey. Those groups represented students from different demographic groups, academic majors and campus organizations.

From there, President Tim Cost and a group of campus staff and administrators met to determine the best approach to these changes that would have the greatest impact on students’ experience on campus.

Whether it was more places to relax between classes or improvements made in residence halls, those ideas were heard and changes are being implemented in response. 

While some, like the renovations to the Kinne University Center, are more involved and visible, others will make smaller, but significant positive impacts on campus life. Take a look below at what’s new on campus since the last update.

Tennis court lights

lights at tennis facility

At the Watson Tennis Courts, you’ll notice new lights on three courts. This means students can utilize the courts after dark, and schedule activities on them later in the day than before. 

River House furniture

tables and chairs at the river house

benches at the river house

On the back patio of the River House, overlooking the beach volleyball courts and the St. Johns River, students will have a new outdoor place to unwind between classes, or enjoy their meals from the River House Pub. 

Chick-fil-A furniture

new furniture in chick fil a restaurant

Chick-Fil-A is one of the most popular spots on campus, and now it is home to brand new tables, chairs and booths. Enjoy your next Chick-Fil-A meal with new furniture inside and outside on the deck.

DuPont Plaza

furniture at dupont plaza

Like Nelms Plaza, which was completed earlier this summer, new furniture awaits students in DuPont Plaza. It’s an ideal, central location on campus to study, socialize or relax.

Author

Katie Garwood

kgarwoo@ju.edu

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