USJ New Campus Plan includes enhancing safety, security and upgrade of facilities

The University School of Jackson announces new Imagine More campus master plan.

According to a press release, the Board of Trustees master plan committee chose Ross Fowler, a Knoxville-based firm that developed UT Knoxville Campus Master Plan, the Chattanooga River Park
and the Tennessee Bicentennial Capital Mall to guide the campus master plan.

An initiative of the current Strategic Plan, the Imagine More plan concentrates on four primary
areas for USJ:

• Enhancing campus safety and security: new entry gates and fencing, additional
sidewalks for pedestrian use, new parking islands and improved drop-off areas.
• Updating and replacing facilities: incorporating the use of sustainable materials and
architectural features that match existing campus architecture and replacing older
facilities that have exceeded life spans.
• Updating the use of the campus: age-appropriate fitness and play-grounds,
expanded and relocated sports facilities, improved event parking, and more
pedestrian-friendly campus.
• Construction of a new Lady Bruins athletics facility.
• Locating and planning for future additions: walking trail, outdoor classrooms, a new
Arts Conservatory for performing and visual arts, and a new indoor athletic facility.

“Since the founding of Episcopal Day School and Old Hickory Academy, through the time of
their merging to form USJ, parents have stepped forward to bring about something more for
our children,” said James Kirkland, Chairman of the USJ Board, during a meeting to
introduce the campus plan, “Today, we have a wonderful facility, and a school that has proven to be a
remarkable success.

“To continue that success, we have to continue to imagine more, continue to improve our facilities, and continue to be good stewards.”

Implementing the campus master plan will be funded through a capital campaign over the
next four years.

With a goal of raising $4 million, fundraising has already begun, with more than 60 donor families stepping forward during the initial announcement of the new plan in commitments already exceeding $2.1 million.

“We will seek broad-based participation among our alumni, student families and friends to
bring this imaginative master plan to life,” Kirkland added.

To learn more about the University School of Jackson, visit http://usjbruins.org.

(Rendering: USJ’s future entrance)
David Thomas, Twitter– @DavidThomasWNWS
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