Laurier announces new outdoor gathering space for students at the Waterloo campus

Aug. 12, 2021

Alumni Field on the Waterloo campus has been outfitted with four large tents to provide a new open-air social and study space for the fall 2021 term.

In addition to the tents, picnic tables have been placed throughout the artificial turf as part of the university’s effort to create more outdoor places that can be used in between classes or to engage with friends.

The gathering space was inspired by Laurier’s spirit of community and will contribute to helping students build meaningful relationships that have lasting impact beyond their university years.

Alumni Field was chosen as a way to take advantage of the space while a fundraising campaign is underway to update the field’s surface before it can safely return to hosting recreation and high-performance sports. The field was last revitalized in 2006 and the temporary conversion into a social space is just one of the adjustments that Laurier is making in anticipation of the gradual return to campus life this fall, said Ivan Joseph, vice-president, student affairs.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm about going back to campus,” Joseph said. “We hope this additional outdoor gathering space makes everyone feel comfortable and that it helps students reconnect in person and in some cases, meet face to face for the first time.”

The structures, which do not have side panels, will remain standing as long as the weather permits.

Alumni Field, located in the heart of Laurier’s Waterloo campus between the Athletic Complex and the Science Building, is usually home to intramural sports programs. For the upcoming academic year, the intramural programs will be moved to University Stadium at 81 Seagram Drive.

Alumni Field is expected to return to its role as a sports facility in the fall of 2022.