Students, Citizens Enjoy WM's New Boardwalk

By Amber Lester Kennedy Saturday, February 19, 2011

A pedestrian walkway connects the School of Education with main campus.

The college decided to add the pedestrian boardwalk, which was completed late last semester, when it began planning the construction of the School of Education. The elevated pedestrian boardwalk winds through wetlands behind the Education building to connect with the main campus, expediting students’ journeys between classes.

But students aren’t the only ones enjoying the walk. Joggers, cyclists, families and neighbors have been strolling along the promenade, too, according to Tom Ward, associate dean for academic programs at the School of Education. “Even before it was finished, it was getting use,” he said.

The walkway almost didn’t happen. When financial turmoil began to affect school budgets, the project was cut out of the plans for the School of Education. But construction companies turned in low bids, allowing the college to save money on the construction and put it back into the walkway. Construction began in August 2010, and was completed by late fall.

The elevated walkway was constructed by Tallahassee, Fla.-based Nature Bridges, a company specializing in environmentally friendly construction. Using a top down construction method, Nature Bridges was able to construct the bridge without having to clear any major trees or use large machinery. Ward said they ultimately only cleared the width of the walkway itself.

The wood bridge also features stainless steel handrails, lighting, emergency phones and an observation deck, where travelers can pause to take in the view. In the spring, Ward said the trees will bloom and the walk will be even better. “I think we’ll see people using that instead of taking the bus,” he said.