October 2008

EAST CAMPUS GREEN SPACE REPORT

Considerable improvements have been made in the landscaping and appearance of the East Campus of East Carolina University. The University Environment Committee has reviewed the East Campus green spaces and offers its recommendations about sensitive areas which need to be protected to preserve campus aesthetics and sustainability. These areas contain numerous heritage trees, some existing prior to the founding of ECU.

We expect the campus to grow, and this growth can be accomplished while preserving the beauty of the landscape. All planned use of these areas should be coordinated through the Grounds Department to ensure protection of landscaping and utilities.

Campus Mall

1. This area should be preserved and protected from building encroachment and parking lots.
2. Use of the Campus Mall should be limited to centennial events and Barefoot on the Mall.
3. The mall area is very sensitive to soil compaction and, therefore, vehicles or trailers should not be used on the mall lawn. Vendor vehicles can be parked on the streets surrounding the mall during festivals.
4. The tree canopy is very pleasing and provides summer shade and natural cooling. The trees should be protected.
5. Mall trees need protection from utility projects involving trenching that can damage roots. Alternate methods such as horizontal boring, for example, should be used whenever possible to protect the trees.
6. The construction yard areas required for future building expansion projects should not encroach on the mall.

Fifth Street Green Spaces

1. The lawn and all landscaped areas on the University side of Fifth Street should be preserved.
2. Construction of new parking lots and buildings in the area along Fifth Street should be prohibited.
3. Trees in this area must be protected from utility projects involving trenching that can damage roots.
4. Aging trees in the area that are lost should be replaced to maintain the park-like appearance of the north side of campus.

Tenth Street Green Spaces

1. The woods between the new Science and Technology Building and Tenth Street should be preserved and protected from utility trenching. The trees are in the flood plain.

2. The streets in the entrance area to the plaza at Joyner Library are lined with trees dedicated to University Trustees and officers. This area needs preservation and continued aesthetic development to remain a pleasing entrance to campus from Tenth Street.

3. The aesthetic appearance of other green areas along Tenth Street should be maintained and improved. The parking lots facing Tenth Street should be screened.

4. A buffer hedge or other landscape feature to screen the parking lot at Brewster and Fletcher Halls would enhance the appearance of the campus on Tenth Street.

Band Practice Field and College Hill Area

1. The band practice field at the bottom of College Hill Drive should be preserved as a green space. This area also floods and is not a good site for development; it also provides recreation space for students living on College Hill.
2. The trees on the slope of College Hill adjacent to the band practice field and south of the parking lot across the street should be preserved.

Charles Boulevard and Softball Area

1. The green space at the softball area is an aesthetically pleasing entrance to campus and complements the improved Charles Street landscaping.
2. This area should be preserved as an open park. It buffers ECU from surrounding residential areas and adjacent roadways.
3. The Frisbee golf area should be used with care for outdoor events such as the Pig Skin Pig-Out, Frisbee golf, tailgating, and alumni picnics.