Manchester, NH – The Saint Anselm College Master Plan had long envisioned a beautiful green quad where students and faculty alike could enjoy a beautiful day, outdoors amid the sights and sounds of nature. It would be a place of tranquility but also a place for meeting and greeting, gathering, and respite from the hectic academic schedules.
Such a place existed, but it took a lot of planning to make it come to life. The location of the new campus “quad” would require digging up an old parking lot—one that had a central location, close to the Dana Center, Grappone Stadium and dormitories. Before losing valuable parking spaces though, a new parking lot had to be designed and built. The new parking has 319 spaces and is located to the south of the existing Sullivan Arena and Grappone Stadium on a lot in Bedford.
The new Quad, still awaiting an official name, is a green jewel set in the heart of the campus. The conceptual plan was designed by landscape architects from Hart Howerton of Cambridge, Mass. and final plans and permits designed by TFMoran, Inc. of Bedford, N.H.
The landscape plan called for 31 trees which mainly line the perimeter walkways leaving a large, sweeping lawn for passive enjoyment. There are also many smaller, interconnected walkways that help move people along leafy paths.
TFMoran engineers, in addition to designing the new parking fields, needed to make sure the new Quad would function correctly with accessibility, drainage and lighting. A closed drainage system was designed to ensure the park would be useable for all outdoor activities. The warm days of spring will turn this new Quad into a space that all can enjoy and savor. The experience is made even more enjoyable knowing that just last year 322 cars and pavement occupied the space that now holds a beautiful, green park.
Anne Cruess, ASLA is chief landscape architect at TFMoran, Inc.