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Press Release
Home > News > Current News > Press Release
Transition to Pedestrian-Only Campus to Begin in 2008

July 12, 2007

RIPON, Wis. – The Ripon City Council on June 25 approved a proposal by the College to vacate those portions of Elm and Seward Streets that run through campus. The move is a crucial first step toward creating a contiguous, pedestrian-friendly upper campus.

Bob Young, professor of psychology, has been close to this and other projects related to the improvement of the College's physical plant. His presentation to the council at its June 12 public made reference to a detailed letter addressed to councilmembers, in which many of the arguments in favor of a closure were cited:

  • "With the streets closed the overall appearance of the campus would be dramatically improved ... The streets detract from what could otherwise be an aesthetically pleasing central portion of our campus."
  • "We are attempting to increase the size of the student body to 1,100 students and improvements in the physical environment will be one more reason for prospective students to enroll here."
  • "We expect to have more than 1,000 students living in residence halls to the west and south of these streets and attending classes to the north and east of these streets. This produces a large amount of pedestrian traffic in a very concentrated area. Clearly it would be safer to have the streets vacated."

Concerns raised by a small group of citizens over safety and changes to traffic patterns were not assuaged between the June 12 hearing and the June 25 vote. Leading the councilmembers' statements was Deano Pape, alderman and communications professor, who deftly parried many of the arguments against closure in his remarks before saying he would abstain from voting. Although some councilmembers felt strongly that more traffic studies were needed, each voiced a long view of the College's future and reiterated both its need to remain competitive and the linkage between the prosperity of the College and the city. Ultimately, a 6-0-1 vote was entered in favor of the vacation, and there was much rejoicing.

A long road - no pun intended - lies ahead for the as-yet unfunded project, expected to cost more than $1 million. A comprehensive fund-raising effort is expected to begin soon.

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About Ripon College
Ripon College, founded in 1851, prepares students of diverse interests for lives of productive, socially responsible citizenship. Ripon’s liberal arts curriculum and residential campus create an intimate learning community in which students experience a richly personalized education. Ripon has been recognized as a “best value” and “Best 361 College” by The Princeton Review, a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s, and among the 160 best schools in the nation by Colleges of Distinction. For more information about Ripon College, visit www.ripon.edu.