UF’s campus could become a bit brighter at night.
In response to the recent assaults on campus, at least 10 athletic fields kept their lights at full capacity until 3 a.m over the weekend.
“This was a cooperation between campus administration, University Athletic Association and Student Affairs sports recreational group,” said Donna Winchester, UF director of strategic communications.
Winchester said there has been mention of adding lights, but that could take time. The cost of illuminating the fields and the decision to continue lighting them was unknown.
“It’s not something that could happen in a day,” she said.
As evening exams continue for the upcoming weeks, students are being encouraged to walk in well-lit areas and take advantage of Student Auxiliary Nighttime Patrol vans and the Walk Safe Student Escort Program.
Danielle Bernard, a 19-year-old UF sociology sophomore, avoids specific dark areas on campus like the tennis court near Broward Hall.
“I never walk there because I expect it to be dark,” she said.
Anderson Hall makes her uneasy because of the lack of lighting and people. She usually walks with a group near that area.
“Being aware of my surroundings is the best thing to do,” Bernard said.
[A version of this story ran on page 1 on 9/16/2014 under the headline "UF athletic fields stay lit, keep students out of the dark"]
UF psychology freshman Kelly Delgado, 18, walks by James G. Pressly Stadium on Monday night.
