Proposal: Outdoor Basketball Court Renovation
Dear President Grigsby, Dean Loyd, and Mark Reed Proposal Abstract: The space behind Bernhardt-Wilhelm Dormitory, and in front of Beck House, Deschinwetz House, and Hillside Complex 4 is currently a recreational sand volleyball court with horseshoe pits and picnic tables surrounding the area. An aerial view of this location is attached at the end of the proposal. This area is often used for outdoor student events such as JacFest and St. Patrick s Day. During these events, the sand court poses a risk when glass is broken near or on the court. This space is prone to flooding due to the elevation gradient of the area s terrain which slopes downhill towards student housing. The horseshoe areas are often underutilized due to the lack of interest of students into the incredibly dated game of horse. The picnic tables are not used frequently because of the aging outdoor furniture, the unwelcome aesthetic of the area, and the lack of activity/events in the area. Overall, this large outdoor space is underutilized by the student population illustrated by statistics attached at the end in the form of a student survey gathered at multiple USG sponsored events. On behalf of the United Student Government we propose the following Proposal: A complete overhaul of the area that takes shape in 3 forms: 1. Removal of the sand volleyball court and to pour a concrete pad, install single rim basketball goals on either side of the court along with painted lines for a basketball court. 2. Second, an overhaul of the adjacent mulch area to get rid of the horseshoe pits and to improve the overall aesthetic of the area. We also seek to plant pollinating plants on behalf of the Moravian College Environmental Coalition around the space. We would also include adding new picnic tables to replace the ones that are there now. 3. Lastly, we like to add new benches around the court to provide additional seating. We plan to offer the decorative responsibilities of these benches to a few a sanctioned clubs. Also, if possible, we would like to install concrete steps to provide a quicker entry to the court area for students coming from the adjacent street. 4. We are requesting that parts of this project be delegated to a subcontractor and managed by Chad Royer and myself, Matt Geary. All of the funding for this project would come from United Student Government. If the following breakdown of costs exceeds our initial projection USG will still be able to cover any additional expenses created. Financial Details:
The dimensions of the court are: Width - 50ft Length - 84ft Depth of Concrete Pad: 5 inches The average price for this type of pour ranges from: $8,000 - $10,000. This is may vary dependent on delivery and labor costs. Based on the price of $125 per yard of concrete and the formula of: 50 ft multiplied by 84 ft. multiplied by.416 ft= 1747.2 ft Converted into Cubic Yards: 1747.2 divided by 27 = 64.71 cubic yards. The average cost for site work which would remove the sand court that is there now, for this area could range from: $10,000 to $15,000 The budget for aesthetics would be capped at: $7,000 Aesthetics include: Pollinating plants, new mulch, benches, new picnic tables, concrete pour for stairs, basketball equipment (Hoops, rims and paint) and drainage. We project this change to campus to cost around $32,000 and have budgeted to cover expenses that exceed that projected cap. The Benefits of this Proposal Include: This is essentially a complete overhaul of an outdoor space that many students will benefit from due to the close proximity to the residence halls. This space takes into account, students who enjoy recreational athletics, club leaders and event planners, as well as any student who enjoys leisure time in the outdoors. We ve taken into account a wide array of student feedback and we feel confident that this proposal would help all students at Moravian not just the few. Campus Activities If built, this concrete pad can also double as a location to host events for clubs and/or outdoor festivities for anyone at the college. Recreational Space for Non-Athletes The Arc and Johnston Hall are often occupied by varsity sports (i.e Track, Basketball, Baseball, and Tennis). This displaces students who wish to partake in recreational activities during their practice times. The outdoor court will provide an alternative and increase non-varsity athletic physical activity. Improved Aesthetic providing appeal to prospective students There are an abundance of tours that are conducted by 26 ambassadors. The court could be a stop for tour guides. Informing prospective students that our student
government organized the renovation of this space will demonstrate to a great extent that Moravian students can make great change on their campus. Drainage Due to the removal of the sand court, which may act as a basin to hold rain and runoff we seek to add artificial drainage around the court to alleviate any runoff issues. Corresponding Documents Club Fair Poll: This poll taken at our USG Club Fair took into account 171 students and allowed us to gather more student feedback on the proposal. 87.1% of students polled answered that they used this space 0 times per month 66.7% of students polled said they did not once use the current volleyball during their time here.
80.7% of polled selected the option If this space was renovated to have a basketball court, more seating, outlets for electricity, and event hosting capabilities, how much would you predict that you would use this space? Town Hall Poll: The poll taken at the USG Town Hall took into account 81 students and showed that 72.8% of the students would benefit from the outdoor renovations listed above in the proposal.
Graphics: This is the current aerial view of the intended project space. Risks Outlined: Per meeting with Chief and President Grigsby, USG will put into place signage around the court to ensure that only Moravian affiliated individuals are playing on the court during allowed hours. The hours for use of the court will be from dawn to dusk, USG will also make the rules known for the incoming freshmen class during orientation weekend. For your consideration, Matt Geary, United Student Government President