After spending several afternoons on Watkinson's campus, we (Evan Katz '08, Colin Tress '08,
Michael Hsu '09, Phil Dinius '07) identified three potential sites for the reflection area, marked on the map below.
Hill
The hill is a relatively quiet space with natural surroundings close to the rest of campus. It commands a nice view of the area as well. Currently the path, which bends to the left just beyond the fallen tree, is completely overgrown with brambles. Both the tree and the brambles would have to be removed prior to any construction, and future maintenance may be necessary to keep the area accessible.
Clearing
The clearing is a nice open space, already fairly accessible from campus. Because the area sits slightly lower than the surrounding grade, drainage may have to be addressed. Furthermore, additional tree cover may be desired to screen sound from the adjacent tennis courts. The deciduous trees may also necessitate regular leaf removal, depending on the nature of the reflection space.
River
The woods next to the Hog River are composed primarily of conifers and thus have very little underbrush or leaf cover. This space is also relatively quieter than the other two sites. However, because this area is removed from the rest of campus students are not allowed there without faculty supervision. The site is also inaccessible at times due to flooding. Additionally much of the space is already occupied by a ropes course.
