NSU to conduct parking area construction during summer

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--During the summer 2012 term, Northeastern State University plans to build two new parking areas and upgrade a third at its Tahlequah campus.

New parking lots will be constructed north of Crafton Street across from Rousey Field and northeast of the Leoser Complex. The lot south of Leoser will receive some asphalt patching and be reconfigured to permit 40 new parking spaces.

"We are attempting to maximize the space and use it in the most efficient manner," said Jon Asbill, interim director of capital projects and planning. "These projects will provide more parking spaces and enhance safety for students as they walk between residences, classes and their vehicles."

The 40,000 square-foot Crafton lot will occupy an undeveloped area west of NSU's intramural fields. The 16,000 square-foot northeast Leoser lot will replace an area of small lawns, sidewalks and limited parking west of Rousey Field.

The northeast Leoser contruction will create an additional 30 parking spaces and the Crafton lot will add another 100. The Crafton parking area will also include four light poles for security and two sidewalks.

The projects follow the construction of a 72-space lot on Garrison Street and a 32-space lot on Seminary Street.

"We are meeting the demand for additional parking," said Todd Enlow, interim director of auxiliary services. "We know that parking is a commodity on our campus and a concern of many students. We have been diligently planning and developing new parking lots for our students commuters and residents."

Construction begins in mid-July and will last a few weeks, with building of the North Crafton lot expected to take 8-10 weeks. Work will take place daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Asbill said some environmental impact will be associated with the renovation of the south Leoser lot.

"We want to work around the trees as much as possible but we will lose five or six to the construction," he said. "The preliminary design indicates these trees stand directly in some of the proposed drives. We are incorporating the largest oak tree into an island within the parking lot."

The combined cost of the three projects is $650,000 which will be supplied through 600/650 funds, which are allocated to Oklahoma institutions from the School Land Commission.