This past month, a recognizable structure on campus underwent renovations to make it a little brighter and much more cost effective.

UCF’s Reflecting Pond was drained the day after the end of spring semester.

Returning summer A students walking around campus saw what seemed like teams of workers sanding and cementing the floor of the fountain as it was roped off with caution tape.

Large trucks bordered the pond with thick pipes trailing the distance between it, a sight that would make any passer-by curious.

The renovations cost $131,000, money that came from state funds allocated for such repairs, according to Chad Binette, the associate director of UCF News & Information.

“I have no clue what they were doing, maybe fixing the floor,” sophomore Shalonda Dukes said.

Most students had similar responses, either confused by the construction or chalking it up to a routine cleaning.

The pond was actually undergoing extensive construction in order to benefit the students and the community in the long run.

“The resurfacing with a textured finish will significantly reduce maintenance costs,” Binette said.

According to Jeff Miller, the supervisor for White Sands Pool Plastering, the Winter Springscompany in charge of the construction, the natural rock finish applied to the floor of the Reflecting Pond reduces chemical use for cleanup and maintenance and makes it easier to sweep and vacuum the fountain.

When the Reflecting Pond was built in the ’60s, natural rock finishes were not available, and every six or so years, the pond would have to be drained and repainted to keep it in shape.

“It will enhance students’ safety and comfort during Spirit Splash,” Binette said.
Binette said the addition of the longer-lasting surface will eliminate the need for frequent repairs, something he said would cost the university $300,000 over the next 25 years.

This is the first time the Reflecting Pond has been resurfaced since the university opened in 1963, but certain traditions prompted the necessity of the structure to be Knight-friendly.

Spirit Splash is a homecoming tradition that has been supported by the Student Government Association since 1996.

Today, students gather every year on the Friday of homecoming week to rush the pond.

The number of participants has massed to the hundreds, so the well-being of all students is a major concern.

As of June 9, the Reflecting Pond was up and running after a month of renovations. So far, the fountain’s facelift has gotten great reviews.

The fountain’s floor is now a bright white that gives the water a cleaner look.

“I thought they were resurfacing, and I like it,” said Marian McCosh, a senior financial aid specialist in Millican Hall. “The new color on the bottom is lighter and pretty.”