Where once there was nothing but asphalt and parking spaces, there now exists a visually appealing concourse of brick and benches – a warm and welcoming space for visitors to the Bridgewater College campus.
A pedestrian mall that will enable the BC community to gather – particularly before and after home football games – has been realized thanks to the generosity of Kenneth D. Bowman, BC class of 1963, and his wife, Nancy M. Bowman, who is a trustee of the college.
The Bowmans provided the lead gift for the construction of the plaza. Some 103 other donations from friends and alumni of the college also contributed.
Bowman Community Plaza will be officially dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.
The Bowman Community Plaza is located behind Flory and Memorial halls, and features landscaping and new handicapped-accessible restrooms and concession stands, all located behind the stadium press box. The plaza itself is composed of two-toned pavers and was designed by Van Yahres Associates of Charlottesville, Va. Construction was completed by Lantz Construction of Broadway.
“The community plaza helps bring students, alumni and friends together in a pleasant setting that connects academics and sports at Bridgewater College,” said the Bowmans in a joint statement. “We feel honored and privileged to bring this community area to completion and make the vision a reality.”
The loyalty of the Bowmans to the Eagles has made them not only faithful supporters at game time, but has also inspired them to join in efforts to improve the facilities at the Jopson Athletic Complex. The Bowmans were instrumental in contributing to the 2007 addition of the stadium press box, which expanded media facilities and created reserved covered seating for Eagles fans.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at [email protected].
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