Nipissing University now has an outdoor classroom.
The four-season, circular, mostly covered structure was funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Nipissing University and its Alumni Advisory Board.
Officials say the outdoor classroom will support a wide range of academic, cultural and community programming. They add its heavy timber structure features 13 distinct column and beam arrangements, with a steel oculus at the top allowing rain and snow to enter the structure, reconnecting visitors to the natural environment while they learn and gather under the protection of the roof.
The space also includes a propane fire table, with plans for a traditional outdoor fire pit, too.
“The Outdoor Classroom embraces our natural landscape while advancing the University’s commitment to relational, experiential, and Indigenous land-based learning,” says Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President & Vice-Chancellor at Nipissing University. “We are grateful to all those who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing this space bring people together to learn, gather, and connect year-round.”
An official grand opening was held Monday afternoon.
“As alumni, we know how deeply campus experiences can shape a student’s journey,” says Laurel Muldoon, President of the Nipissing University Alumni Advisory Board. “We are proud to support a project that will create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and personal growth for generations of Nipissing students.”
The outdoor classroom is located among the trees on the east side of Monastery Road, near the NUSU Student Centre.
