You never miss something until it is gone. This will certainly be the case when the students of Neuqua Valley return from Spring Break. As of April 1st, construction crews will descend upon the Main building parking lots to tear up the existing asphalt and replace it with the latest environmental innovation: the Aqua-Bric. This means that all Neuqua students will not be allowed to drive to school, and must find alternate transportation until the construction’s projected completion in late May. Principal Bob McBride is excited about the environmental changes that will be occurring around the school. “We have looked into digging up the entire parking lot, reducing its size, and re-seeding the remaining area with native and indigenous prairie,” he said. “This would cut carbon emissions and repopulate the area while eliminating the environmental hazards parking lots bring about.”
The Aqua-Bric, a creation from the Oswego-based Advanced Pavement Technology Company, provides a permeable surface which allows rainwater to drain quickly to prevent harmful runoff and damaging collections of stagnant water. Herbert Anderson, Science teacher and the sponsor of Neuqua’s Environmental Club, shared his insights on the benefits of such a system. ” This technology allows the water to soak into the ground and replenish the water table, which is especially important for people who use well water,” he said. Neuqua’s new parking lot will be the administration’s first major investment in rising to the forefront of environmental consciousness in District 204. McBride stated, “Ultimately, we want to create a ‘green belt’ around the entire school in place of pavement.” The decision to replace the unsightly and harmful asphalt has been in the works for months and was finally granted complete funding by the district board.
Although the construction of such a parking lot will benefit the urban environment of Naperville, the project threatens the rhythm of routine for most Neuqua Valley students. The prospect of not being allowed to drive to and from school brings forth problematic situations, especially for seniors with late arrival and early dismissal. To address this overwhelming need to transport students, Laidlaw has agreed to lend extra busses for morning and afternoon transportation to accommodate the mad rush. For those who cannot bring themselves to ride the bus, there are many other options to explore.
Steve Fleming, an English teacher at the Main building, is known for his daily commute to work by bicycle. “I ride almost everyday year-round, four days a week,” he said. “I keep riding for a variety of reasons; for the workout, saving money on gas, and of course, for the environmental benefits.” The promise of bicycling to and from school enables students the same freedom as their cars did, while also contributing to cardiovascular health, especially if the student is running late. In fact, McBride promised that the number of bike racks will triple over Spring Break. There has even been talk of using any spare cement from the project to construct a two-lane bike path to allow students to travel in safety. Fleming has offered his expertise in the matter, and plans on starting a daily “Bike-pool” for those fearful of venturing alone.
“I would be overjoyed to share the road with students. I feel that we would be one step closer to creating the peaceful utopia we are striving for. I would be concerned, however, that there would be a materialistic race for the most stylish bike. If a student cannot afford a bicycle, perhaps they can ride an old tricycle or Big Wheel. In support of that student, I would gladly ride my own, as well.” Scooters have also been presented as another alternative, considering nearly every household owns one or two Razor Scooter from the latest fad.
If exercise is not your style, not to worry. The PTSA has decided to take funds from Senior Spectacular to the creation of a Segway Fund, in which students can rent a Segway for a rate of $200.00 a week to commute to school. The fleet of Segways was donated by Segway of Chicago in LaGrange and will be available for registration in the Senior Class House on April 15th. Safety is always the greatest concern during this project, and so all students will be required to wear helmets and knee pads if they choose to travel to school by wheeled device.
Another challenge that will face both faculty and students is actual entrance into the school. Once school reconvenes on April 6th, the parking lot will be reduced to gravel and be littered with dangerous machines and electronics. To prevent any health or safety concerns, the administration has asked the shop department to begin construction of three temporary bridges that will be built over the destruction, and will deliver all Wildcats safely to the inner courtyard. These bridges will be placed strategically so that students are free to arrive from all directions, including a bridge leading from the skate park parking lot. Students who park in the skate park will be asked to surrender their spots to the Neuqua Valley faculty, considering that a great number of teachers have over a 45-minute commute to school each day. These students will be refunded $100.00 for their trouble, and will have to find alternate transportation just like everyone else.
Overall, administrators expect students to be excited about the “green” changes coming to Neuqua. “I don’t think most students will be upset about surrendering the parking lot,” said McBride. “I believe that they understand the importance of preserving our planet. I think students will be most excited about the institution of a 45-minute recess in addition to option and in place of advisory on the finished product of prairie and grass. There will be kickball games, picnics, and Ultimate Frisbee to encourage students to exercise in a more natural setting.” Indeed, there are many changes coming to the exterior of Neuqua Valley, all for the sake of the good of our environment and celebration of April fool’s day.
By Allie Mooney, opinions editor
