Last November, the University finished a $2 million, five-month-long transformation of Hill Field. Check that, Hill Square.
A path, adorned with benches and motivational quotes, was constructed from 34th and Walnut streets to 33rd and Chestnut. In addition, trees, new sod and lighting were added to make a more attractive entrance to campus.
At the dedication, former President Judith Rodin declared that the pathway was "a chance to launch our look back as we look forward."
Perhaps Penn should have looked forward 15 months.
The University broke ground last week on a $5.2 million McNeil Center for Early American Studies on the southwest corner of Hill Square.
More construction is now under way, and the already limited amount of green space at Penn is again being decreased.
Undoubtedly, the McNeil Center will be a positive addition to campus as a much-needed home for early American studies.
But it is unfortunate that it must come at the cost of a place that many students use for recreation and that Penn just spent millions of dollars to renovate. This seems a bit wasteful.
It is not as if there are not vacant lots on and near campus. Just north on the other side of Chestnut Street sits a parking lot and other usable space. Market Street has its share of vacancies as well.
New building and growth on campus are always welcome, so long as they do not destroy valuable green space. Once the McNeil Center is finished, Penn should consider Hill Square off limits to new construction.
