Kellie Galentine
LV Life Editor
The Associated Students of the University of La Verne and the Campus Activities Board kicked off the grand opening of Leo Park in an afternoon filled with contests, giveaways and free Bowl of Heaven Thursday.
The festivities began at 10 a.m. with a grand opening speech and ribbon cutting from David Asbra, ASULV president, and Bethie Ross, former ASULV president, who both saw the project from start to finish.
ASULV handed out orange gym towels and CAB gave out power bars as students dribbled up and down the new basketball court. Others tried the gym equipment out for size.
Picnic blankets lined the grass of the new park on the corner of D Street and Arrow Highway and more than 200 students came by throughout the day to check out the grand opening.
At noon, Bowl of Heaven arrived with açai bowls, made free to students and a free throw contest took place on the basketball court.
Local health spots Nutrishop and Crunch Gym both made appearances, marketing their products and services to students on a day that was dedicated to health and well-being.
“I’m definitely happy having Leo Park because since freshman year it has been that old building that wasn’t being used,” Chris Gonzales, junior business major and CAB chairman, said. “Now to see it as a basketball court and exercise equipment — I couldn’t be happier.”
Leo Park, a recreational playground for college students complete with a basketball court and exercise equipment, is a two-year-old project rallied for by students and commissioned by ASULV.
“I’m excited because I think students come to ASULV forums and don’t think that ASULV does anything,” Barbara Mulligan, director of student life, said. “But it’s exciting to see a project students asked for completed.”
The park is open after many hours of work by former ASULV members and their predecessors. The construction faced setbacks like concrete on the court having to be poured twice.
“With any construction project it takes a while, so it is unfortunate that the students who originally asked for it are no longer attending,” Mulligan said. “But now it is available for current students to enjoy.”
The sounds of late night basketball games prove that Leo Park is being used for student recreation.
“I think it’s pretty cool to see La Verne grow right before my eyes and I’m excited to see more additions,” Vanessa Marquez, freshman psychology major, said.
Kellie Galentine can be reached at kellie.galentine@laverne.edu.
