Colgate University students have had a front row seat to the construction process of Peter’s Glen, a project that will connect upper and middle campuses. The work began in February 2024. In the past week, construction crews have taken advantage of the thawed ground to start planting in the area.
Peter’s Glen will contain a heated stair system, pathways and lighting to connect the two areas of campus through a forested area. Campus visitors will be able to easily travel between Little Hall and the Frank Dining Hall circle using the walkway.
Starting now and continuing throughout the next few growing seasons, almost 500 native tree species as well as 500 native shrub and plant species will be planted in the glen. These plants will replace the trees that stood in the area before.
Stone benches will also be added at the top and bottom of the pathway. In Colgate tradition, there will be 13 benches. Colgate President Brian W. Casey commented on this addition to the project.
“The original design had 12 large boulders in it to sit on at various points. I said, ‘You can’t have 12,’ so now, we have 13, obviously. We’re carving each number,” Casey said.
Casey also noted how the project works to incorporate the beauty of Colgate’s geographical features.
“I love how when you’re on the top of it, you really get a sense that we are in a valley,” Casey said.
Besides planting, Peter’s Glen also aims to address rainwater concerns. The construction of the Glen will facilitate storm drainage with different systems for small and large systems.
The project is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2025.
