Fort Lewis College students and faculty are enjoying the brand new 60,000-square-foot Geosciences, Physics & Engineering Hall, with its star-gazing telescope enclosed under its rooftop dome. Classes in geosciences, physics and engineering are being delivered in settings that favor strong academic results.
Next week, the building will be celebrated with the TLC Gala, a fundraiser for scholarships and equipment at 6 p.m. on April 6. The building’s dedication ceremony will be at noon the following day. More information and tickets are available at fortlewis.edu/gpe.
Below the college rim, another style of engineering design is being practiced. At the site of the former Boker Lumber, a do-it-yourself (DIY) skateboard park has sprung up.
Skateboarders have massaged the slightly sloping lot to create some homemade challenges. Cinder blocks bonded and extended with a mix of concrete resulted in a curved back wall. A large diameter angled pipe has been jammed into the ground. And other small structures make jumps and recoveries possible.
A Herald videographer visited the site recently. “Tucker” praised what was going on, saying that he travels the state to visit and build DIY parks. He likes seeing people getting involved in their community.
Tucker appears to be both a physical engineer and a social engineer. In the fashion of play decades ago when youth had to come up with self-created entertainment, DIY park builders are doing just that.
Yes, there has been some negative behavior which is impacting nearby residents. There have been incidents of night time noise, the bright glare of car lights for park illumination, and the lack of bathroom facilities. No trespassing signs seem to disappear pretty quickly.
But you have to give these youngsters credit for their ingenuity and energy. Without pen and paper, a mouse, or a year-long planning process, they are creating what must be an enjoyable place to spend an hour or so. They are outdoors and getting some exercise.
An experience at mixing concrete is as important as knowing how to cut a two-by-four, or tend a garden. There are a few basic activities from which all of life follows.
Our recommendation is to keep the property clean and go easy on the neighbors. And when the time comes, consider a college course in physics and engineering. Participating in the construction of a DIY park might be the equivalent of a few units of college credit.
