The Concordian

Issue date: 2/4/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Kathleen Nail After nearly fi ve months of construction, the gazebo in the valley is almost fi nished. The fi nal completion date will depend on the weather. [Click to enlarge]

Despite numerous setbacks, the long awaited gazebo in the valley is almost complete. The concentrated efforts of the Student Government Association, and the Student Center made this long awaited project a reality this year and, according to Student Center director Marshall Campbell, the gazebo should be complete as soon as weather allows.

The gazebo, which has been in the works for over two years, was begun in mid-September. "I had hoped it would be done last semester," said Campbell, "but because of the late start, problems with the needed supplies and the start of winter this wasn't possible."

Although the project had a slow start, students still seem impressed with the pace of construction. Sophomore Ashley Davis said that "considering the obstacles with the weather they seem to be doing really well."

However, some think that late start wasn't the best thing. "If they'd waited until spring maybe they could have built it a little faster," said Freshman Shannan McKnight "this would have allowed the builders to work without having to continually stop for snow."late start wasn't the best thing. "If they'd waited until spring maybe they could have built it a little faster," said Freshman Shannan McKnight "this would have allowed the builders to work without having to continually stop for snow."Opinions about the gazebo remain high though. "It's a good addition to the valley," said Davis "I'm glad it's being put in because it will provide a useable space without being in the way." The gazebo was even planned so that it can be used for entertainment purposes. "People can use it as a picnic area and the open design was used so that bands and the theater can use the space for performances," said Marshall Campbell. With this option students may be able to look forward to some interesting, outdoor performances in the future.

One last bridge must be crossed before the gazebo is completely useable though.
As of right now no furniture has been ordered to go inside, but this will hopefully be fixed soon. "I'm talking with the Student Government Association about getting the money to put benches and tables inside," said Campbell. "These would be attached to the concrete with chains so that they could be removed if needed, but they would still be available when students wanted to eat in the area."
With this last addition the long awaited gazebo will finally be able to be used. With the end of January contractors should be able to finish soon, but everything depends on the weather. "Everything's really close to being done," said Campbell so if all goes well students should be able to use the gazebo before the end of the semester.

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