The Observer, August 29, 2008
Volume XLI, Issue 1
Unsung heroes of Case's campus: the Landscaping and Grounds Department
Returning to Case in the fall almost feels like waking up and wandering into the Land of Oz: the campus is beautiful, with bursts of flowers coloring the quad and residential areas, and the heavy foliage of seemingly ancient oak trees shed shade over lush patches of lawn. It is bizarre to think that this abundance of nature is located in the heart of a concrete jungle. Even more surreal is the realization that in a few short weeks, the trees and flowers will be replaced by a blanket of ice, cemented by a stingingly cold wind to create the dreary image most of us associate with Cleveland winters. How is it possible for a campus to make such a smooth transition from one extreme to the next?
Amazingly enough, maintenance for the 160 acres of Case's urban campus year-round is handled by a team of experts who work behind the scenes to keep the university running smoothly. Daryl Costanzo and his crew of 20 make up the Landscaping and Grounds Department that, according to Costanzo, is responsible for maintaining "the lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as the walks, driveways, and parking lots" that make up Case Western Reserve University. Often overlooked by the student body, the department's work is seemingly never-ending: each season requires specific tasks in addition to keeping up with the havoc wreaked upon the grounds by Mother Nature and students alike. From preparing and constantly servicing irrigation systems to replacing landscape and attempting to plant flowers in frozen soil, this team of superheroes is perpetually at work.
Harsh Cleveland winters test the department's endurance in ways only lake-effect snow can. In severe weather conditions, the department often works 24-hour shifts in order to make the campus safe and accessible in a timely manner. It is their hard work and dedication that keeps Case operating in the worst weather conditions, even when the rest of Northeast Ohio is crippled by snow, ice, or sleet. In spite of winter weather that strikes in the spring, the department still manages to prepare the campus for graduation, planting flowers and creating the illusion of the new growth that comes with springtime in spite of below-freezing temperatures.
Of course, special events do create special challenges for the Landscaping and Grounds Department. Springfest requires specific irrigation hookups for the tents, diving barrels to separate areas of Frieberger field, and stage set up, all while imposing minimal damage to the field itself.
The beloved Greek Week tradition also comes with its own set of trials: the official trenches for the rope pull contest are dug and filled in by the department. Moreover, Greek Week practices decimate the lawns enjoyed by all members of the campus, Greek and non-Greek alike. Moreover, Landscaping and Grounds provide guidance to new freshman in a yearly tradition: every year, the department lays out the letters for the annual "CWRU" picture – which was once known as the annual "CASE!" photo for upperclassmen, victims of re-branding – thus helping newer members of the campus community find their place, literally.
Moreover, the Landscaping and Grounds Department does most of their work unnoticed, unseen, and relatively underappreciated. Their immense responsibilities are carried out to work around academic schedules. Maintenance on academic portions of campus is limited to times when classes are not in session whereas maintenance on residential areas of campus has restricted hours to not disturb students in the early hours of morning. Although the department's work is often to keep the campus beautiful and functional for the students' benefit, student activities often result in the wearing out of campus facilities; as a result, renovations are sometimes required for heavily used areas.
The vast variety of responsibilities the Landscaping and Grounds Department takes on is mind-boggling, but they do their job beautifully and in a seemingly effortless manner. Perhaps the next time we complain about having to trudge to class in several feet of snow, or feel the urge to scatter that temptingly large pile of leaves behind the wet-dry fountain, we should take the time to appreciate the unseen forces that carefully cleared the pathways for us to get to class safely, while creating a beautiful, nature-filled campus environment.
