Photo courtesy of Ryan Vogel.
Camila Fernandez/Contributing Writer
The University will take its first steps on a mission to bring nature and students together Nov. 15 at the unveiling of a new jogging path at Modesto A. Maidique Campus – a project by the Office of University Sustainability, University’s Housing and Residential Life and University Recreation Services.
The path is a vision by the University’s Nature Preserve Manager Ryan Vogel, who said he will finally get to see his dream become a reality.
“My friends and colleagues laughed at the idea, stating that I would never be able to get this approved or funded – but eventually I did,” said Vogel.
According to Vogel, it was during the end of 2012 when the innovative idea came to the attention of the powers that be as the MMC’s first jogging path began to appear as a real possibility. Not only will this path be significant for the students, but also for one piece of the University that many may not know exists – the Nature Preserve.
The path is 0.6 of a mile and runs along the edge of the Nature Preserve, according to Robert Frye, director of recreation services.
The path goes between Parkview Hall and the Preserve and travels south to the football stadium. It passes between the Preserve, the University Baseball Stadium and University Soccer Stadium until it comes back around past the U.S. Century Bank Arena.
“I didn’t know that there was a preserve here. Having a path nearby would be nice because, instead of coming to a gym that is super packed, you can be in the fresh air,” said Ashley Pouya, junior accounting major who plans to make use of the new trail.
FIU’s Nature Preserve was established in 1978 and is a historical location today that represents how the Everglades dominated South Florida before the Tamiami Canal drained the area.
“The jogging paths that we have had in the past are basically on grass, concrete, sidewalks or roads, so this is an actual true, real path,” Frye said.
Construction began in early September, but a final price for the creation of the path is yet to be determined, said Frye.
The path is made out of crushed recycled rubber tire pieces, providing a sponginess when you run.
According to Michael Caballero, senior political science major, and Andre Figueroa, senior sport and fitness studies major – both members of the Run Club – the path will be like running on the clouds.
Both agreed that because the City of Sweetwater does not have much plantation, the path will change the scene and appear like a “small piece of running paradise.”
Along the path, there will also be six different exercise stations for enhancing the workout experience and low-lights that will help guide those who run at night.
According to Frye, the lights are to be kept low to have the least interruption on the preserve’s species.
“The Office of Sustainability wants people to become aware of the preserve and this is another reason for them to come out,” Frye said. “Over time, they’re going to develop interior trails [not so much like the jogging path.]”
Housing agreed to its construction as an amenity for University residents.
Frye also states that once the area becomes further managed, students will be able to partake in other activities like picnics among the gardens and pond.
“This project has been my fascination for the past six months. I’m glad everything worked out perfectly,” Vogel said.
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