It turns out that heated sidewalks are in fact a myth at Ohio University and other colleges.
A little more than a week ago, The Post started "Athens Asks," a way for readers to ask questions about Athens and get answers.
Now, we have an answer to the third Athens Asks question: “Are the sidewalks on campus heated? I was told this on my tour and I've never gotten a real answer.”
The answer to this is — drumroll please — nope.
Sorry folks, although heated sidewalks would be pretty nice (especially after a snowy weekend), they are not a reality here at Ohio University.
“None of our sidewalks or roadways have an active heating system to preclude snow/ice build-up,” OU Spokeswoman Katie Quaranta said in an email.
To those of you who are now filling out your transfer forms to head over to Miami University because that annoying kid from high school is always bragging about how Miami has heated sidewalks, set your pen aside. OU isn’t the only Ohio school with a myth about snow-melting sidewalks.
“Contrary to many students’ beliefs, the warm air gushing through metal grates on Miami University’s campus are not heated sidewalks,” according to a report from The Miami Student.
Rumors of warm walkways on college campuses even cross state lines. Penn State University’s student publication debunked a familiar myth.
“If you’ve ever heard the widespread rumor that the sidewalks on campus are heated, you’ve probably wondered why there was still snow lining the streets the past couple of days,” an Onward State report reads. “Contrary to popular belief, the sidewalks on campus aren’t actually heated.”
But if going to a school with heated sidewalks is a top priority, they do exist at some universities.
Michigan State University heats some campus sidewalks because it is the most effective way to clear snow and ice, according to the university’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities website.
“These systems not only lower the number of staff needed (to shovel snow, for example), but also lower the need to use salt or other chemical methods to prevent ice,” according to the website.
So there you have it, Athens, go find that tour guide who lied to you and set them straight: OU's sidewalks aren’t heated and Shively does not taste better than your mom’s Thanksgiving dinner.
@M_PECKable
mp172114@ohio.edu
