University of Colorado at Boulder students take their recreation seriously, and to prove it they voted to spend $5.7 million to improve campus intramural sports fields, such as Farrand Field.
CU-Boulder's newly renovated Farrand Field, a longtime student favorite for studying, playing sports and relaxing, will be dedicated on Friday, Aug. 17, at 12:30 p.m. Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson will give a speech during the ceremony. The dedication also will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, talks from student representatives and yard games.
"The newly renovated Farrand Field was made possible by our students, who voted to increase their student fees to fund these and many other improvements on our campus," said Peterson. "This demonstrates the dedication our students have to CU-Boulder, their commitment to a quality campus and that they care deeply about the future of the university."
Farrand Field has been closed since September 2006 as part of a multimillion-dollar student-funded project to upgrade and improve fields across campus. Farrand Field's renovation includes new sod and drainage systems, an 18-inch-high stone sitting wall along its north and west sides and a wrought-iron fence around the field, and a 50- by 30-foot permanent concrete stage on the north side of the field for concerts and other events. The entire surface of the field also was leveled.
"Farrand Field was a very popular space for students before we did the work, and the project has really enhanced the field, so the students should be proud," said Diane Belz, of CU-Boulder's Recreation Services, who managed the project. "The students did a phenomenal job in determining their needs and where they wanted to spend their money."
The improvements were funded by a $10.75 student fee that will be assessed each semester through the 2026 school year. Â鶹ÒùÔº initially requested the projects in spring 2002, and passed a referendum authorizing the projects one year later. The student-run Legislative Council gave final approval in April 2005.
The student-funded project also included renovating the natural turf and installing lights at Franklin Field, installing artificial turf and lights for three club and intramural sports fields at Kittredge Field, and constructing four lighted basketball/multiuse courts on the east side of the Coors Events/Conference Center.
Farrand Field is often used for recreation, including intramural sports, but also can be reserved by student groups, or for events such as Global Jam or Program Council concerts, Belz said.
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