Sauk Valley Community College outlines long-term campus plan

DIXON - Sauk Valley Community College is forming a long-term plan for the campus grounds, including larger projects like a bike path and event space along the river.

The Sauk Board of Trustees recently heard a presentation from Bruce Morrow, a landscape architect with Ayres Associates, on preliminary designs for the college’s Grounds Master Plan.

Several projects were drafted following discussions with the Sauk administration, faculty, staff, and students, ranging from smaller improvements to larger developments that would likely require grant and bond funding.

Morrow said one of the college’s great opportunities is its riverfront location, and a larger project could include a bike path and outdoor plazas as well as an event space with a stage area, seating, and sunken amphitheater.

There could also be an overlook for the river with a bridge along the path, and Sauk could feature an Art in the Park walk similar to the sculpture program at the RB&W Park in Rock Falls.

The goal would be to draw people outside more and take advantage of the scenic location. They could also provide game opportunities such as disc golf and cornhole.

Other improvements include replacing trees, adding prairie to cut back on lawn maintenance, increasing street signage and signage for the Dillon Mall, as well as adding parking to that area.

Sauk President Dave Hellmich said they have started some work, and there are some things they can do immediately like replacing trees, but the bigger-scale projects would need funding bonds. There would also be possible grant opportunities.

Morrow said there’s probably about 10 years of projects that could be planned.