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MANSFIELD — Mansfield University campus is more beautiful than ever thanks to the grounds maintenance crew managed by Ryan Wood, Manager of Campus Services. This group of 6 maintains all of the campus outdoors areas including the sports fields, lawns and planted beds. With nearly 100 acres to care for, the crew is always busy with mowing, weeding, planting, and more. Their goal is to make the campus look welcoming to perspective students, returning students and of course, parents.

One of the things that is unique to the Mansfield campus is the hills. Although beautiful, they also create unique challenges for maintenance. Wood shared that MU has the most stairs of any PASHE school. Keeping those stairs, walks and roads clear and safe is an important part of their work, especially in the winter.

Wood has been with Mansfield University for 18 years and has been integral in the aesthetic planning of the campus. As we sat in the gazebo outside of Grant Science Center, he explained the planning that went into that particular setting. “The structure, as well as the landscaping, was designed to create a learning environment with seating inside the gazebo and seating around the outside on a low wall. Tall plants were chosen to provide a screen of semi-privacy around the area.” Wood also designed the ‘M’ that is found throughout campus, most notably outside of Alumni and South Hall where graduates like to pose for pictures.

The area of campus where the old dormitories have been removed is going to allow for flat green space that will be able to be used in many different ways. Wood said that the project is to be completed by fall 2022/spring 2023. He hopes that the creation of the green space will provide opportunities for the university and the community to interact together.