A Look Back at the Purple Path by Jeremy Grunstra
The Purple Path began as the vision of graduate students in the Urban and Regional Planning Studio. The concept was to create a pedestrian and bicycle friendly pathway surrounding the approximately 500-acre uptown campus. When complete, the Purple Path will be a full five kilometers in length. These students, studying for their Master’s degrees, drafted a proposal to implement this multi-use pathway on campus. The University accepted the plan and began construction on a small section near the athletic fields in 2007. The Office of Campus Planning has adapted the Purple Path plan and it is currently in phased implementation plan. Phase Two was completed in the Fall 2012 in conjunction with the construction of Liberty Terrace and the rehabilitation of the Washington and Western Avenue campus entrances. This section of the Purple Path covers approximately half of the eastern side of the campus near Liberty Terrace, State Quad, and Collins Circle. The recent construction, particularly at Liberty Terrace, included a massive overhaul of the Indian Pond area, including new trails and pathways, a bridge, viewing decks and platforms, and seating areas. Phase Three will complete the Purple Path on the east side, and Phase Four will cover the entire western side of the campus. There is currently no set date for the completion of the Purple Path project, but it is a part of the current Facilities Master Plan. Go out for a walk or a bike ride and enjoy the campus! Consider your walking routine: according to the Federal Transit Administration, the average American walks about six minutes per day, against the CDC*-recommended 22 minutes. A good walk everyday reduces risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, or even back and chest pain. Campus Rec has detailed 1-mile, 2-mile, and 5k routes.