UPDATE: #ConvertToTheYurt was an April Fool’s prank. Read more about it!
Winona State University President Scott Olson has announced plans to convert the campus gazebo into a yurt, an eco-friendly structure that fits with WSU’s commitment to sustainability.
The idea came out of a conversation with Sustainability Committee faculty members James Armstrong and Joan Francioni, who see opportunities to utilize the structure as a learning space to teach students and those in the community about sustainable living.
The yurt is the latest in a series of initiatives by the university to utilize outdoor classrooms, such as WSU’s “floating classroom,” the Cal Fremling boat, and the Outdoor Education Recreation Center, and the newly established Arboretum.
The project is currently in the bidding phase. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2017. Once a contractor is selected, a more detailed timeline will be released.
The estimated cost of the gazebo reconfiguration is between $2,000 – $4,000 depending on which building materials are selected. Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to weigh in on proposed concepts at 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, in East Hall, Kryzsko Commons.
For more information, contact Sustainability Committee faculty member Joan Francioni at jfrancioni@winona.edu.
