Sustainable Living & Learning Community Accessibility Project: Phase 1
The SLLC’s Accessibility Project: Phase I will establish accessible and inviting pedestrian entryways and gathering spaces for the Sustainable Living/Learning Community – one at our East entry along Orchard Park Drive, and another at our new North entry at Blue Ridge Road (a major bicycle and pedestrian thoroughfare for campus).
Introduction:
Since 2019, students and staff working in the programs of the SLLC have worked with student designers in the project-based Landscape Architecture 141 course to create an integrated, accessible pathway network for the North half of the SLLC’s approximately 40 acres. In close collaboration with UCD Grounds and Campus Planning, the project will connect existing sidewalks in West Campus with vital open space resources and core academic programs of the SLLC. As West Campus continues to develop and to densify, the need for equitable access to gardens and open space will only increase. In partnership with Healthy UC Davis and campus planners, we are excited to meet this challenge and to support the health and wellbeing of our campus community!
Outcomes:
Our project will establish two accessible entryways with attached community gathering spaces in the Orchard Park neighborhood, and the two main entries of what will become an integrated pathway network for SLLC spaces and programs. Students are excited to use these spaces for outdoor classes and club meetings, as well as community gatherings and events. In addition, we look forward to working with Healthy UC Davis to add newly-accessible SLLC spaces to existing campus maps supporting healthy outdoor activities (i.e. walking loops and drinking water), and to advertise community events and opportunities in the Orchard Park neighborhood.
Opportunities for Involvement:
Please keep an eye out for community work days in 2024, as well as a survey to share your experience in the SLLC! Interested undergraduates should keep an eye out for a possible Sustainable Living / Learning Community Spring Studio course.
Recent Milestones:
Hired student Community and Landscape Coordinators for the grant Assembled a team of SLLC student College Corps Fellows to help build our two entryways Engaged UC Davis Arboretum staff to help mentor the project team Applied for (and have been awarded!) ~$10K by The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) on campus for an accessible drinking fountain for the SLLC.
Project Lead(s):
Jaylee Tuil
Research and Academic Engagement Coordinator
Sustainable Living/Learning Community (SLLC)
jltuil@ucdavis.edu
Ben Pearl
SLLC Projects & Programs Coordinator
Sustainable Living/Learning Community (SLLC)
bpearl@ucdavis.edu