Semi-dirt floor to get concrete and pavers; more seats to be added
It was announced by Dean James Perey at the March 1, 2016 Governing board meeting that the inadequately constructed outdoor pavilion on the Verde Campus will get some improvements. (Possibly, this summer.) The hope is to make it more than minimally useful for outdoor events. Constructed at a cost of around a half million dollars just a few years ago, so far, it has proven to be a white elephant.
The first phase, according to Executive Dean Perey, will entail replacing the semi-dirt floor with concrete and brick pavers. The pavers will allow for an even floor so that outdoor functions may be held in it. The original brick and dirt floor was put in, no doubt, to save money. It made movement within the pavilion challenging.
Concrete will also be poured between the Pavilion and Building “M” to help accommodate the overflow at commencement events. Perey says there will be more seating added and a variety of tables.
It is unclear whether the problems with the tiny concrete stage, the absence of adequate sound and lighting fixtures, and the absence of dressing rooms will be addressed. It is also not clear that sun and wind issues, experienced by anyone who has attempted to use the pavilion, will be considered. Possibly, the flora put into the design are the College’s response to the sun and wind problems?
