To the editor:

Articles concerning KU planning, including the need to eliminate almost a million square feet of space and expansion of the architecture/design school give both promise and concern that the unique identity of the campus can be an important criterion for decision making.

KU students during the mid-20th century, had the benefit of understanding the unique setting of Mount Oread and its relationship to the Wakarusa Valley. The Mount Oread ridge, extending from the site of Old North College to the Daisy Hill dormitories, provided remarkable views to the east and south as well as to the green space surrounding Potter Lake and Marvin Grove. Walking Jayhawk Boulevard provided the ability to experience the Kansas landscape and consider its historical importance as Walt Whitman observed in his 1879 trip west.

Insensitive planning eroded vistas and that understanding. Notorious examples of loss include Wescoe Hall, and chaotic development around the stadium. The tragedy of Wescoe is not solely that it is unattractive, but that it created an impenetrable wall eliminating visual access to the valley.

Program requirements for a modern football program have detracted from the Potter Lake area. Discussions concerning the construction of a parking structure below Carruth-O’Leary threaten further destruction. Not long ago, one could experience the beauty of the campus both from Memorial Drive and from the stadium. These views and an understanding of the uniqueness of the KU campus have been diminished by poorly sited practice fields, support buildings and an oversized scoreboard.

Although the role of a university is continually evolving, cultivating intelligent decision making and the importance of place should remain fundamental objectives.

John Kelly,

Lawrence