In the coming months, Southeastern Louisiana University will be working closely with the Student Government Association (SGA) on plans to add new parking, restore sidewalks and improve existing landscape projects, like the Tinsley Gardens on campus .

The most useful upgrade coming to campus will be the addition of sixty to seventy parking spaces for students.

“We’re looking at additional parking on Western Avenue, adjacent to the football practice field,” said Facility Planning Director Kenneth Howe.

Howe said that plans are underway to begin construction this summer, and he hopes that these new parking spaces will be ready for use at the beginning of the fall 2012 semester.

Howe said that the budget for the new parking spaces would come from a pool of money for improving the grounds and parking.

“Currently, the Administration, Physical Plant and SGA are working on enhancing parking on Southeastern’s campus,” said Luke Holloway, president of the SGA. “We understand and feel the pains that come about when an individual is unable to find the appropriate parking for class. Facilities Planning Director Ken Howe, along with Administration, SGA and the Physical Plant are currently breaking ground on a new parking facility that is located between the football practice facility and the R. Norval Garrett College of Business building.”

After Holloway and President John L. Crain held a meeting on Thursday to discuss these plans, Holloway said that the new parking lot will likely be directed to upperclassman.  

“Restoration is not directed merely on the parking lot,” said Holloway. “The Capital Outlay Grant will fund upgrading the Tinsley Gardens, which are located between the R. Norval Garrett College of Business Building and the President’s Residence on General Pershing.”

These enhancements to the Tinsley Gardens will include the development of gathering areas with benches and tables and the addition of Wi-Fi capability in the outdoor area.

Holloway expressed his hope that the plans for a new parking facility, though geared primarily toward the student’s need for increased parking, will also include providing students and the Southeastern community with a complete beautification of campus.  

According to a recent press release by the university, topsoil that was excavated from Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium during the turf replacement project will be piled along General Pershing Avenue in an attempt to manage drainage from heavy rains.

Significant enhancements to the entrance to the university on General Pershing Avenue will also be made in the forms of new trees and landscaping.

For additional information, contact Luke Holloway at [email protected] or call the SGA Office at 985-549-2296.