University of Missouri - Savitar Yearbook (Columbia, MO)

Page 31 text:

r.:m.. -...-.un. ....... A A Just the beginning . . . . By Jeri Wheeldon It took nearly seven years of discussion, planning and revision. There were stumbling, blocks all along the way. But when Jan. 28, 1974, rolled around, the first stage of UMC's pedestrian campus plan went into effect. As early as February 1967, the University Cam- pus Planning Committee worked out a plan which would eliminate most vehicular traffic around the inner campus. We want to turn the heart of the campus over to the pedestrians not the cars, Dr. Robert Callis, dean of extra-divisional administra- tion told the planning committee. Proposals were made. Eventually the University would be connected by a north-south mall as well as an east-west mall. And there were visions of a large plaza area and a circular fountain. Parking areas were seen as a problem, so plans included a high rise parking garage. But the plans fell through. It wasn't until 1972 the problem of traffic again became an important issue on campus. At that time Tom Gray, University assistant business officer, said the University planned to close the campus to traffic in the future. .4 VAi , ' HAW Th ELUCY the campusl27

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The closing of Lowry Street between Ninth and Hitt streets was the first objective. An agreement with the Missouri Book Store and the Missouri School of Religion had to be worked out. After much discussion among University offi- cials; city officials; the Missouri Book Store; the Missouri School of Religion; shuttle bus owners from Whitegate, Gatehouse, Tiger Village and Holiday House apartment complexes; and hand- icapped students, a plan was approved. Signs were painted and holes were drilled fer barricades on parts of Conley Avenue, Hitt and Ninth streets and all of Lowry Street. At 7 am. Monday, Jan. 28, 1974, the pedestrian campus be- came a reality - at least the first stage of it did. Everybody walked in the streets. Students and faculty alike received the pedes- trian campus favorably. Said one traffic and parking committee member, 1'For every motorist who has to back up and turn around, there must be 100 students who appreciate it? Hlt's great! John Kuhlman, professor of economics said. I really like the idea of my stu- dents leaving with a sequence of beautiful thoughts and not getting run over by a madman in an au- tomobile. They should block off more streets, said Laura Johnson of Dockery-Folk Hall. HAnd then grass 'em over and add some fountains. Maybe someday thatls exactly the way the UMC campus will be. ale the campusl29