Places and Spaces
In this Issue:
- Great for a rainy morning: in praise of Campus Grounds
- Other places and spaces for good weather days
We started this morning with grey and rainy weather – again. But as the day went by, the sun emerged. Our forecast calls for rain all weekend, which is perhaps why my brain wants desperately to think of warmer spring weather. So today we’ll take a look at a couple of my favorite spaces, divided by weather forecast. Here goes.
Great for a rainy morning: in praise of Campus Grounds
I had a meeting this morning in Campus Grounds, which is on the lower level of Taylor Hall, closest to the Quad. It’s the campus coffee shop that is run by students.
If your Deac has not discovered Campus Grounds, encourage them to give it a try – or you should when you are on campus. When you enter the door, to the right is a large lounge area with lots of tables and chairs. There were already students quietly studying when I arrived around 9 a.m.
If you take a left after the entrance, you walk down a long hall to a room where student baristas take your order and make your coffee and/or serve you some of the food offerings. Today there were enormous cookies, as well as a couple of specialty drinks for Valentine’s Day. There is very comfortable seating and the seating/decor in this area is very soothing – which was particularly welcome given we had another crappy/grey/drizzly morning. And my drink was delicious (credit to my barista!).
Other places and spaces for good weather days
As we look to warmer (and drier!) weather and students being able to spend more time outdoors, let me recommend a number of spaces that might be perfect for your Deacs, whether that be for studying, talking to a friend, or just having a moment to pause and reflect.
Farrell Hall fire pit
On the back patio of the Farrell Hall Living Room is a number of outdoor tables and chairs. In addition, there is a fire pit with rocking chairs. I particularly think this is great at night, when Farrell is lit up from the inside as well as the fire pit.
Mag Patio
The Mag Patio, looking down on the Mag Quad, is also a great place to sit. Many moons ago, they had rocking chairs, and I have always loved this shot from our photo archives. There is other furniture there now – tables and chairs – but the idea remains the same. Sit out in the fresh air and do some reading, eat your lunch, or talk to someone.
The tables on the Mag Quad with the fire pits also are great for these kinds of moments.
Tribble Courtyard
There are a lot of metal mesh tables on Tribble Courtyard, and as you move up the stairs towards ZSR you will find green cafe tables and chairs, which are also a great choice.
The cafe tables on the Quad
One of my sentimental soft spots is the green cafe tables and chairs on the Quad. They are best and prettiest in the spring when the cherry trees are in bloom and it looks like pink snow on the ground. 10/10 recommend.
Your Deacs will no doubt have their favorite places and spaces – or you might too if you visit our campus. I’d love to know your best spots!