Ohio University has many scenic spots around campus, a popular one among students being Emeriti Park. Located next to Baker Center, the park has a pond for students to relax by and enjoy the nice summer weather.
Emeriti Park was founded in 1987 and was located on Richland Avenue across from the Convocation Center. At first, it only consisted of two benches and a plaque. Later on, the Ohio University Emeriti Association raised $100,000 to expand the park. It was officially moved next to Baker Center and expanded Nov. 20, 2000. The park was dedicated to employees who contributed greatly to the university.
The Ohio University Emeriti Association was founded in the early 1960s and consists of faculty and staff who were granted the title of emeritus or emerita. This title was introduced by then-President Herman James in 1940 to honor the employees who had served the University.
Many people pass the park daily while walking around campus without knowing exactly what it is.
“I heard about the hammock club, and I know they meet in Emeriti, and I lived in Boyd last year, so I would pass by here a lot, so I saw it,” said Jessica Horner, a sophomore studying journalism.
On a nice day around the park, one would see hammocks strung up between the trees, students on blankets doing homework, others sitting on benches reading and plenty of other activities with friends.
Kendra Walker-Fox, a senior studying early childhood education, is one of many students who like to visit the park when the weather permits.
“If the weather's nice, yes,” Walker-Fox said. “I like to hammock here and read or do homework in my hammock.”
The park is also full of wildlife to watch while spending time there. Montana French, a senior studying environmental and plant biology, likes to visit the park to watch the deer that spend time there.
“I like to sit here and watch the baby deer,” French said. “There's usually a family with three babies around here somewhere.”
Emeriti Park is a great place to just relax and take a break from the stressful life of being a college student and a great chance to get out and enjoy nature. Walker-Fox said her favorite part of the park is the relaxing and calming environment.
Instead of being cooped up in a classroom or a dorm all day, students can go enjoy the beauty of the campus at Emeriti Park.
“It usually takes me a while to like actually get outside of my room and get here,” said Homer. “I’m always like, why didn't I do this earlier?”
