Marymount University’s Main House on its North Arlington campus has a sprawling front lawn once again.
On Sunday, the university wrapped up two weeks of construction that turned the concrete parking lot at 2807 N. Glebe Road into a green space. Now, Marymount leaders envision the school community using the space for recreation and picnics.
“As students, staff, faculty and their families enter Marymount, they’ll now be greeted with a beautiful lawn devoted to bringing our community together,” said Marymount University President Irma Becerra.
Marymount originally had a grass lawn in front of the Main House, but that was paved over in May 2000 to accommodate the growing number of students who need a place to park. Now that the university has two parking garages, Marymount said it no longer needs the lot.
Those employed by the university have embraced the change already, according to Barry Harte, the school’s treasurer and vice president for finance and operations.
“Bringing back the beloved recreation area has sparked overwhelmingly positive feedback from our staff and faculty. This change is important not only to our students and their families, but also to the greater Arlington community of which Marymount is proud to be a part of,” said Harte.
In a press release, the university said the lawn will help the surrounding community by absorbing storm water runoff and improving water quality.
The front parking lot previously hosted a seasonal weekly farmers market. Organizers announced earlier this summer that the market was permanently closed, encouraging local residents to go the new Cherrydale Farmers Market instead.
Marymount plans to hold a picnic on the lawn to celebrate the start of the academic year this coming Monday, Aug. 23.