Lynchburg College plans to reconstruct John M. Turner Health and Physical Education Center this summer because of safety concerns, damaged asphalt and to allow for the installation of an underground geo-thermal heating system.
"For now we are stuck with what we have, but there are plans in the works for reconstruction of the parking lot. These plans will be put into effect this summer," Director of Campus Safety and Security Bob Driskill said.
Driskill explained that the entire lot will be dug up starting from behind the McFrack complex, to the area in front of Wake Field House and behind Turner. He said plans include installation of islands, trees and lights, in accordance with the Lynchburg city code and in compliance with environmental sustainability recommendations.
Vice President and Dean for Student Development John Eccles said the reconstruction of the lot is a high priority for numerous reasons.
"We know that the traffic pattern through Turner has not been good, the asphalt is at the end of its life, an energy efficient underground heating system can be put in place through the redesign, and we will be able to get 50 additional parking spaces," Eccles said. "[The reconstruction] is our top priority for summer projects. Pending the finances of it all, we intend to go forward."
Students expressed their frustrations about the current design of the parking lot.
"I think the parking lot is poorly designed," senior Kerri Mosher said.
Senior Lauren Grossman also said she has issues with this parking lot.
"It's confusing with the way there are parking spaces everywhere and I'm not sure which way traffic should go. They need to do something about it because I've almost gotten into quite a few accidents," Grossman said.
Senior Ellie Hartge said she thinks it is the drivers that are causing traffic problems, not the set up of the parking lot.
"I think it's the bad drivers; it's the people driving through the parking spaces and going over the speed limit who are creating the problems," Hartge said.
For the time being, Driskill suggests that people drive in front of Wake Field House toward Peaksview when coming from behind McFrack. When coming up from the townhouses, people should drive in front of Turner and then turn left.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Legg
Suggested Turner parking lot traffic flow pattern.
