UT Tyler Beach to be Finished in March
January 30, 2008

A construction project featuring a beach area by The University of Texas at Tyler’s Harvey Lake is expected to be completed by spring break, Gregg Lassen, UT Tyler vice president for business affairs, announced.

“We heard from the students and from their perspective, it is a valuable addition to the university and one of many approaches to address recruitment and retention as we strive to become a destination campus,” said Lassen. “However, we’ve limited the scope of the project to recognize the concerns that some people had about expenditures for leisure projects on campus. As time goes on and money allows, we hope to expand the features of the area.”

In addition to a beach, current plans include a basketball half-court, volleyball court and a promenade along the lake.

Original plans also included a boat launch deck, boat storage area, event stage, observation deck and pavilion to the area.

“We’re very excited, and I fully expect that by the time traditional warm weather comes around it will be completed,” Lassen said of the project, which is located behind Ornelas Hall. “I think it’s an important addition to the campus – especially to our residential students.”

For more information, contact Lassen, 903.566.7107 or glassen@uttyler.edu.