Grounds and Public Spaces

The Next Step! has dramatically altered the landscape of Manchester College. Major improvements to parking near the College Union and two new lots create convenient access to campus buildings. Utility wires now travel underground, and new lighting along East Street enhances the beauty of the east side of campus. The Smith Family Gate welcomes fans to the athletic fields for Spartan sporting events.

Those who seek a place for quiet reflection and meditation will find it in Gladdys Muir Peace Garden at the northwest corner of College Avenue and Wayne Street – another project not in the original campaign. Donations allowed the creation of this tranquil oasis, designed by Daniel Krall ’68, associate professor of landscape architecture at Cornell University. The garden was dedicated in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Manchester College’s peace studies program, founded in 1948 by Gladdys Muir.