At last week's Trustees' meeting, architect Michael Van Valkenburgh unveiled the plans for Penn Park, the new site of athletic fields and an important part of PennConnects, the University's eastward-expansion plan that will unfold over the next several years.
Beyond the benefits of the ample space planned for the athletic fields, the designs also bring many sports teams together in a single location, making it easier to foster enthusiasm for lesser-recognized sports, as well as school spirit. As added pluses, the fields are well within walking distance of campus residences, and they have abundant green space, which many city schools can't offer. Whether or not they are involved in athletics, all students will appreciate seeing a little more greenery.
More broadly, however, the unveiling and advancement of Penn Park is the first sign of what's to come with PennConnects.
The project will eventually, according to University administrators, provide a seamless transition between University City and Center City. It will include a new college house, as well as many new scientific-research centers.
For most current Penn students, these changes matter little because we do not stay at Penn for very long, and many of the most ambitious and impactful projects directed toward undergraduates won't be completed during our tenure at Penn.
Thus, getting a glimpse of what the future project holds - and how it will impact future Penn students - is one of the best ways to keep students engaged in this ongoing project.
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