Master Plan October 2011 - Pacific Lutheran University

COMMUNITY BENEFITS
PUBLIC EVENTS
PLU holds a wide array of events that are open to the public, including concerts, plays, gallery
showings, lectures, seminars, workshops, athletic events and festivals. Many of the events are
free and some have nominal admission fees. Each year over 100 musical performances are
scheduled on campus, including the very popular Jazz Under the Stars, hosted by KPLU.
Future campus improvements include the renovation of Eastvold Auditorium where the
auditorium will be re-designed as a performance center for the spoken voice. It will be a home
for the theater program as well as a venue for large lectures. The phased renovation of Olson
Auditorium will allow it to continue to serve as the largest venue in south Pierce County for
athletic competitions, science fairs, high school graduations, community fairs and other public
events. The renovation will allow HVAC systems to be moved to the roof, providing newly
claimed interior space for academic use and, eventually, the portico may be turned into interior
space.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY
PLU space is available for rental through the Conferences and Events office. Dozens of
conferences, camps, seminars, short courses, graduations, meetings and other events are held
each year on the PLU campus. These are sponsored by groups with an educational mission and
intent for the event. In addition, two spaces may be offered for free or reduced rates for selected
community events. These are the community room at the Garfield Book Company and the public
events room in the Morken Center.
Swimming Pool – The PLU swimming pool is located on PLU’s lower campus with easy access
for community members. The pool offers public swimming hours with times for family swim as
well as adults only. During summer months the pool holds swimming lessons for all ages. The
master plan projects the replacement of the pool within the next 10-20 years.
Informal Use of Campus – In addition to scheduled activities, the community uses the PLU
campus for informal recreation. The campus is a beautiful setting for walks and jogging. The
PLU track is used for exercise by many community members.
November 2011
Pacific Lutheran University MIMP
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