McMaster University's campus continues to grow. Tremendous progress is being made on the Athletics and Recreation Complex and recently work began on the new student residence beside Hedden Hall. In the near future, work will begin on the Ronald V. Joyce Stadium. These are all exciting projects that will provide much needed facilities and resources for the McMaster community.

The development on central campus has created an impact on the Zone 1 parking area. To accommodate the new construction, more than 200 parking permit holders had to be moved out of Zone 1 to Zones 6 or 7 on west campus. With parking spaces on main campus now at a premium, it is necessary to replace spaces wherever possible in order to accommodate the full campus population in September. New parking spaces will be constructed at the north end of Zone 1 north of the track. A second area designated for new parking is the current tennis court area.

The current tennis courts will be converted to provide approximately 75 new parking spaces to supplement the Zone 1 area. Work will begin on August 27 and will be completed by Sept. 6, 2005. The construction is minor and can be done in a short period of time with minimal disruption. Following this work, the area between the temporary classrooms, T-28 and T-29, will be upgraded for multi-purpose activities such as basketball, tennis, ball hockey, and other casual recreation.

“Given the high demand for parking,” says Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, “this change is necessary. I am sure that the members of the McMaster community will understand the need for the change to help support the growing needs of the University. This is an interim measure and we recognize that a complete parking strategy is required for campus.”

This fall, a strategic planning process will be undertaken to review parking demand and supply. The new director of Security and Parking Services, Terry Sullivan will lead the development of this strategic plan.

Related inquiries about the tennis court conversion may be forwarded to Therese Quigley, director of athletics and recreation at ext. 23699 or quigley@mcmaster.ca.