By: Tristan Graham, Katey Flynn, Kylan Funk, Emma Stieferman

Quincy University has a wide range of activities to do outdoors, and lots of space to do more.

QU students enjoy the outdoor sports on campus including basketball, sand volleyball, pickleball, wiffleball, football, and more. Although these activities and equipment are enjoyable for students, a revamp is much needed for the courts and sand pit. 

QU student Karly Peters, a freshman, spends a lot of her time playing volleyball with her friends, but agrees that it would be nice to add in more activities for students.

“It would be really nice if there were some pickleball courts over by sand volleyball, as well as some more sand volleyball courts because there are always a lot of people over there and they fill up fast,” Peters said.

Not only do students participate in the sporting events outside on campus, but they also enjoy the relaxation and study corners that surround QU. Even with many benches, chairs, and seating areas on campus, it is still limited when the sun is out and students want to tan, do homework, or read a book outside. 

With only one basketball court, one pickleball court, and two sand volleyball nets, the space only allows for a small group of students to participate at one time.

North Campus has a rain garden, sculpture garden, and Stations of the Cross meditation area. Although those are not promoted to students and many students are unaware that these are accessible for them.

Sydney Runswe, a senior at Quincy University, talks about how she would like to have more availability when it comes to finding areas outdoors to relax.

“I really enjoy the cabanas, I go out there a lot to relax and to work on my homework, hang out with my friends, or just spend time outdoors in the sun,” Runsewe said.

Christine Tracy, EdD, vice president for student development, says that having more seating around campus would be great but they are running into issues with equipment getting taken.

“Unfortunately I would like to add more seating but people have been stealing chairs, benches, and other outdoor equipment which is why it is difficult to keep adding seating. I would like to get another cabana but with the way it is taken care of, it’s hard for me to do that,” Tracy said.

After going on a walk around campus Tracy talked about what changes are currently in the process of coming to QU and what she would like to see outdoors if money was no object.

“We are currently adding in hammocks behind Friars building, as well as out by the cabana and basketball courts. We are painting the bags in front of Padua Hall and looking to add a big chess board for students. There is going to be a shed built where we can hold all of the sporting equipment for students to check out and use on Friars Field,” Tracy said.

The future of outdoor life at Quincy University is in the hands of the students. Tracy says they, or any community member, can make an impact on what the university could potentially bring to campus.

“There are many outdoor plans that I am working on, money plays a big role in what we are able to do and with determining what needs to be done first,” Tracy said.

The data and logistics surrounding future plans

Here is a guide to outdoor amenities on the main campus of QU.

Many students on campus say they would love the opportunity to have more outdoor activities. They say it would give QU that college feel, and leave students with a more complete college experience. New additions could make QU not just some place you go to school, but a home away from home, a place of comfort and enjoyment for all students to share. 

When students have free time to do whatever it is they want to do, they enjoy being outside and being able to connect with other students. QU Media conducted a survey and asked how important it was to students to have outdoor spaces and activities on campus. Almost half said it was very important.

A survey sent out to students measured how important outdoor spaces are on campus to students. Students responded to the question by answering either 1 (least important) through 9 (most important).

Daniel Gibson frequently spends his free time outdoors, and really enjoys campus activities. However, he believes that there are limited options and wishes there could be more outdoor activities. 

“We don’t get a whole lot of time off from football, and when we do it’s limited. I usually go out and hoop with my friends or play spikeball. I do wish we had some more things on campus, because sometimes just doing the same couple activities gets old,” Gibson said. 

Collin Parsons says he would rather relax and just enjoy the nice weather. Parsons and many other students would like to see accommodations for that on campus and hope for a place to just relax and take in the beautiful Quincy weather.

“Sometimes I’ll just go outside and chill. School and football can be stressful, so when you get some time to just hangout with your teammates it’s nice,” Parsons said.

While students dream of what Quincy University’s outdoor spaces could look like, there is one vital key to the upkeep of those areas. That vital part is the maintenance crew for QU. This crew is the backbone of QU, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently. 

Troy Peters is the director of facilities at QU. He works with a company called National. National is a management service company that manages the facilities for over 50 schools around the country, including QU. 

“The main focus is how this affects the long term goal for the students that live on campus, and the goal that Dr. Tracy and President McGee have for the students. We are the middlemen that make sure we get it done. If it’s for the good of the students, we will do whatever it takes,” Peters said.

Regardless of the amount of student athletes QU has, when these students get free time most of them are outside. Not only that, but in a survey students voted saying that if there was better equipment or more activities that they would spend more time outdoors. With more than 86% of students who participated in the survey saying that if QU had better equipment and or more activities on campus, they would use them more often.

How campus spaces build community and wellness

Outdoor spaces on college campuses are more than just scenery. For students, these spaces influence how they connect, relax, and enjoy campus life, ultimately shaping students’ mental health and even school spirit. Outdoor spaces at QU make for an excellent place for students to meet one another.

Campus spots such as Friars Field, the gazebo, the pickleball/basketball court, and the sand volleyball courts are all places for students to meet new people. On a small campus like QU, it is easy for students to stay within their own friend group. These spots allow students to interact with people outside of their circle.

Freshman Kiet Trong is just one of the student-athletes at QU who has met other students through doing outdoor activities on campus. 

With busy schedules, students often find it difficult to find an enjoyable study environment. Places such as Brenner Library or Student Success Center can be helpful; however, being outdoors can help reduce stress while being able to connect to nature. Natural lighting outside can give students a break from the harsh over-head lighting indoors. The outdoors also gives students a chance to step away from screens and classroom settings. The outdoor environment also offers fresh air.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Natural environments help shift your brain out of worry mode and into a more positive emotional state. Spending time outside has been linked to better mood and a decrease in symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.” As warmer weather returns, QU students are taking advantage of the fresh air and sunshine. 

The campus also shares its Fransican traditions with students, featuring many statues of Fransiscan leaders such as Francis, Saint Claire and Blessed Mother. 

In addition to the statues, campus offers graphic designs that are hung in several places on campus. Both of these physical features make an impact on the attraction of students and community members to QU.

“When people are wandering about, they see the beauty of our campus. I think the graphic designs that are hung all over the place, particularly the “Success by Design” program here. We take that very seriously,” Fr. Bob Barko, O.F.M., and Director of Campus Ministry, said. 

Campus outdoor appearance affects more than just the current students, staff, and faculty. It affects recruiting and how some students may think about the college, all based on its outdoor appearance. Additions to campus, such as landscaping, outdoor areas to sit and relax, sidewalks, and some unique features, could draw in students to QU.

How Quincy Park District provides outdoor spaces to the Quincy community

Quincy University has often been described as having a “park like” setting. Many surrounding neighbors can be seen walking their dogs or riding bicycles through campus. The Quincy Park District supports other outdoor areas open to students, faculty and staff.

Those areas offer plenty of opportunities such as playgrounds, pools, mini-golf, batting cages, disc golf, trails to walk your dog, run, walk, or anything in between. Quincy Park District offers opportunities no matter what your age is, the chance to be together as a community is there, as long as you’re willing to take it.

“We’re big on accessibility, we want the community to be able to get out of their homes and into nature and outdoor spaces. It doesn’t matter who you are, the parks are meant to be used by everyone,” Rome Frericks, executive director of Quincy Park District, said.

Quincy University, in many ways, falls in the center of the community. History runs deep within this area, and Quincy roots are engrained within the QU campus. Not every individual who utilizes the park like campus has to be a student, as it’s open to whomever wants to pass by. 

“I would like more of an outdoor space on campus, especially when I’m in between classes. Being able to relax on campus could be so nice, even if I don’t have class,” JD Vogel, QU student and Quincy native, said.

The idea of being able to utilize an outdoor space, such as the QU campus, could be useful to students and Quincy residents alike. The use of an outdoor space is something that could provide an escape amidst people’s lives being saturated in technology.

“Quincy parks are so important to the community, as someone who has lived here for almost 30 years. I think QU could benefit from creating the same atmosphere on their campus,” Shanda Williams, local, said.

Outdoor spaces hold an incredible importance to the community, with parks being scattered across the town, there’s always room for more. QU has the opportunity to build an outdoor space that serves students and residents, but making that change is dependent on QU itself. 

Moving forward, the question is how QU chooses to involve students in future decisions of outdoor spaces, while prioritizing what is in demand. Those who already use QU as an outdoor space know best. But what changes are willing to be made on campus, and will those changes happen? If you had unlimited funding, what would you want to see in the outdoor areas on campus? Leave your ideas in the comments.

For more information about this story, listen to Cue You on the QUMedia Podcast Network.