The Student Federation recently added four new outdoor tables in front of Central Hall. 

“We wanted to think of a way that we could make a meaningful improvement to campus, specifically outside, because nice weather is coming,” President of the Student Federation and sophomore Zac Briley said. “We know everyone’s a little tired of longer walks to classes and not being able to go to convenient entrances, and we wanted to find a way to improve campus without doing something that was going to cause students an additional headache.” 

Briley said he believes students want good outdoor spaces, especially with the quad gone. 

“This was an opportunity for Student Fed to do more for campus than we’ve done in the past. It was a chance to leave a lasting impact, instead of just funding clubs,” Briley said.  

Briley said the round tables are American-made and were chosen for their function and cost-effectiveness. 

“We knew we wanted something that would match campus, so we didn’t want to buy the ugly white plastic tables that you see around. Those are a bit of an eyesore in my opinion, and we wanted something that is beautiful and enhances campus,” Briley said. 

Briley said the tables are wood-like in appearance, but are made out of a composite material, resulting in a more durable table that should weather better in the long run.

“If you’ve paid much attention to the teak tables that are out there, you can see they’re still intact, but are looking a little worse-for-wear,” Briley said.“Hopefully these new ones will last for a long time.”

Briley said he assembled one of the tables himself.

“Parts of the tables are heavy and bulky, and we used hand tools, so that made it a bit more difficult. But it came together and should not come apart,” Briley said. 

Briley said there are currently no plans for new chairs to go along with the tables, but the Student Federation has talked about other seating areas, including two fire pits, one on the northwest side of Kendall, the other on the northeast side of Lane. 

“This will require a significant financial commitment from the college,” Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé said. “We intend to start construction after Commencement. If all goes well, they will be completed by the time students return to campus in the fall.” 

Péwé said nothing more is planned for the south quad this summer, but the college is dedicated to providing new and upgraded outdoor spaces around campus.

“We intend to build 8-10 restrooms inside the big white barn at Hayden Park,” Péwé said. “Those restrooms will improve the numerous student activities happening at Hayden Park. When students return, we will have completed the Nimrod Complex at the Halter Center. This will make possible year-round archery, air rifle, air pistol, small bore-rifle, and small arms classes, training, competition, and recreation.”

Sophomore Carver Means said he is excited about the new tables.

“I like to spend a lot of time outside, especially studying,” Means said. “It’s very peaceful and I always feel refreshed. As college students, we tend to spend too much time in our dorm rooms, an artificial and eternal night time where your only light source is electricity. When you go outside, it reminds you that there are more important things than homework, and that there’s a broader world than just your classes.”