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Southern Miss Begins Construction on Pedestrian Pathway, Band Tower
Construction began today (Jan. 25) on a multi-use pathway at The University of Southern Mississippi that will provide a connection for pedestrians traveling between Pride Field and Scianna Hall on the Hattiesburg campus.
The pathway will run along Ray Guy Way from Golden Eagle Avenue, past the front entrances of Century Park South and the Athletic Center. A raised crosswalk – similar to one in use on West Fourth Street between Century Park South and North — will be installed over Eagle Walk to the McCarty/Scianna Hall parking lot.
“We’re excited about the start of construction, which will provide a safe pathway for all students, especially the modifications made to improve access for those with disabilities,” said Dr. Chris Crenshaw, associate vice president for Facilities Planning and Management. “Currently, when students cross Golden Eagle Avenue from Pride Field they are directed into the Thad Cochran parking lot. This pathway will provide a safe route for our students traveling to one of our most utilized facilities — the Student Union.”
The pathway project is being partially funded through a grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The grant originates from the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funds provided by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The grant is an 80/20 match. The MDOT award is for $683,560. The University’s share of the project will be approximately $171,000.
The pathway will also expand the sidewalk that runs adjacent to the Joe P. Park Football Practice Field, from Ray Guy Way to Fourth Street, adding approximately 10 new spaces in that area when the current parallel spaces become angled. The pathway, comprised of concrete with brick trim, will be 17 feet wide and extend approximately 1,400 linear feet.
In addition to the pathway work, construction also begins today on a new band tower at Pride Field. The predominantly brick structure will have a 34-foot tall tubular steel tower, with two observation/teaching decks. The 1,600 square foot facility will also include space to house Rec Sports equipment, as well as instrument storage space for The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band.
“The Pride Field renovation is so exciting for every member of The Pride as well as the alumni who have marched on that field for many years,” said Dr. Catherine Rand, director of bands at Southern Miss. “The new field, the building for storage and the tower will soon replace part of our history as The Pride, but it also will allow us to look forward. When our alumni come back for Homecoming next year, I am confident that they will feel honored to march on the ‘new’ Pride Field.”
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, Southern Miss students have collected seven Goldwater Scholarships, three Truman Scholarships and 14 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of a select number of institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu.
Article by: Van Arnold, Media Contact at The University of Southern Mississippi
