The current location of the campus garden might become nothing more than an parking lot, but only if student government sees it fit.
It was reported this week that the University of Memphis’ administration had decided to pave over the garden near the Elma Roane Fieldhouse to create 120 new parking spaces behind the Zach Curlin garage.
However, in an email sent to The Daily Helmsman Tuesday, David Zettergren, vice president of business and finance, said the university has asked student government to review the possibility of moving the garden to another location on campus and to respond with any concerns, meaning the garden could still potentially be saved.
“Any decision regarding the relocation of the garden will be made after receiving feedback from the SGA,†Zettergren said in the email. “If the garden is moved, the cost to relocate the garden will be incurred by the university and will not be taken from the Green Fees. Tuition will not be impacted by either the relocation of the garden or parking expansion. We enjoy the beauty and bounty of the various gardens located throughout the entire campus and will work to ensure green space remains prevalent.â€
Jared Moses, president of Student Government Association, confirmed his organization’s participation in the decision and said they will survey the student body.
“We will make a decision based on the feedback that we received from the people,†Moses said. “My role is to be a representative for the students.†Moses said a decision would be made by Nov. 17 at the latest. “Hopefully we will have something by the next town hall meeting, which is Nov. 16,†Moses said.
“Something could happen before because it seems to be an urgent issue among students. Nothing is a done deal yet. If it was, then that means students weren’t involved in the process. That’s definitely not the case.â€
Moses believes there are enough spaces, but the problem is whether or not students want to walk. “Parking still is the number one issue I hear from students,†he said. “Personally, I drive by and see so many empty parking spots by the alumni building and where they repaved the tennis courts. There’s so much parking. It’s just a matter of if students are willing to walk. You’re not going to be able to park right across the street to get to class. Not saying it’s great. Students will have to take a little more time to get to their classroom.â€
University administration’s desire to pave the garden for parking is not breaking news to Moses. He has been a part of conversations about the relocation of the TIGUrS garden for the past few weeks. Things are now just “picking up steam,†after other events.
“This was delayed by homecoming,†Moses said.
Tony Poteet, assistant vice president of Campus Planning and Design, said the university is still working on a potential solution.
“We are working on some ideas that will be presented, as nothing yet is final,†Poteet said in an email to The Daily Helmsman. “We want to have a great garden for the students and also have parking for the campus community.â€
When asked if a new parking garage could be moved to the area where Richardson Towers used to be, Poteet confirmed the area would be converted into parking spaces in the future.
“The parking lots that surrounded Richardson Towers will be expanded one day,†Poteet said in the email. “This will balance parking and much needed open space for the residents.â€
Some students are not in favor of the garden being paved over and believe the university could use a better location.
“We definitely need more parking,†psychology major Jimmy Johnson said. “The late afternoon times around 2 (p.m.) can be pretty packed. I don’t think we should tear down the garden though.â€
Computer science major Robert Rogers agrees with Johnson. “Parking is limited, especially around Central,†he said. “It kind of sucks, but I don’t think it’s worth tearing down the garden.â€
