The construction of a new sand volleyball court in the Southwest Quad will begin later this month, according to an email sent by Vice President for Planning and Facilities Management Robin Morey on Nov. 7.
The idea to create a recreational space in the Southwest Quad surfaced early last semester, according to Morey. The court was originally proposed by GUSA Secretary of Space Connor Maytnier (COL ’17).
The project will be conducted with the help of a wide range of participants, including student collaboration with administrators of the Campus Life Working Group. Together, they aim to create recreational space in the quad by also adding extra tables to the grilling area, which was added earlier this fall.
“Many Georgetown students enjoy spending time outdoors, especially on Healy Lawn,” said Carley Tucker (COL ‘17), current resident of McCarthy Hall. “Enjoying outdoor campus space and being active seems to be pretty popular for many students, so I’m sure students will look forward to an added way to spend time outdoors.”
Others see the project as an unnecessary addition to an already overwhelming amount of construction.
“Given all the construction around campus I can’t imagine this was a high priority for fund use,” Colin Mack (COL ‘16), a former Kennedy Hall resident, said. “[But] it is a fun idea, and the type of thing that makes a school more interesting.”
Tucker agreed, noting other locations to play volleyball on or near campus. “If they require a large cost and a lot of maintenance, then the funds could probably be better used for other projects on campus, such as ones that enhance student living since there is still the possibility of playing volleyball inside Yates or beside the Potomac River,” she said.
“Construction cost is $79,000—funded via philanthropy,” Morey said. Different student-run groups on campus, including the Advisory Board for Club Sports and the Student Activities Commission, are contributing to the cost, as is the Pisano family through private donation.
Club Volleyball President Ebere Anokute (COL ‘15) expressed excitement about the new courts, but noted that the men’s club volleyball team was not consulted in the planning process. “I was a little surprised when I first read the email because I hadn’t heard about this being in the works, but another place to play volleyball is always a great thing,” he wrote in an email to the Voice. “Indoor volleyball and beach volleyball, which is what you play on sand, are very different sports despite having all the same rules, so it’s not like we could make particular use of the court for practice or anything. It’s definitely more of a social endeavor and I think it’ll be really great in that respect.”
Construction will take place starting this month and will continue through early December of this year. In terms of construction logistics, Morey said that students will not be significantly impacted.
“The courtyard will be closed off while we are doing construction, but you will still be able to get where you’re going with minimal disruptions.”
