MAGNOLIA, Ark. – From flag poles to football fields, construction on the campus of Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, has been moving steadily along during the summer months.
Throughout the summer, improvements have been made to the residence halls. All residence halls had benches and flower beds installed and received a new paint job. Other halls had new tiles put in, ceilings dropped, new lock cores put in, new roof laid down, and new mirrors placed in the rooms.
“This was a real big step in our summer program,” said Jasper Lewis, director of the Physical Plant. “In the next two to three years we want to significantly improve the quality of life in the residence halls through these repairs.”
Another big project has been the placing of the field turf at Wilkins Stadium. “We are in the process of laying down the turf at the football field,” said Lewis. “It is expected to be a 10 to 20 day process.”
Other improvements scheduled at Wilkins Stadium include a new concession stand in the southwest corner of the stadium, closing in the seats on the visitors side, and the addition of two new ticket booths located on the home and visitor sides.
Recently, lights were placed at the baseball field.
“This project was recently completed,” said Jasper. “We now have the capability to play night games.”
Work on a 1,850-foot trail located on the north side of East Lane was recently completed. The trail connects Pearce Street to University Village. The only work left to be done is the completion of putting up a fence.
“This path provides a walking trail for community members, and it provides a safe place for our student-athletes to run without being in the street,” said Lewis.
Funds for this project were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Meyers.
The fountain located in front of the Business/Agri. Business Building is near completion. The fountain will be 12 feet tall and made of Italian marble.
Three flag poles have been added to the SAU campus, and one flag was relocated. A 70-foot flag pole was placed in front of Overstreet Hall with two 50-foot flag poles on either side of it. A 70-foot flag pole was also placed at the football field.
Construction on a new 12,600-square foot band rehearsal facility will begin in the near future. It will be located to the north of East Hall behind Dolph Camp.
The 19,000-square-foot Magnolia Business and Industry Training Center is also currently under construction. It is owned by the Magnolia Economic Development Council, but it is leased by SAU and SAU Tech.
“This is an exciting time at SAU,” said Lewis. “We have nearly $6 million worth of on-going projects currently on the University campus.”
