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Their project: to create concrete sidewalks between the brand new pickleball courts, providing better access to those who use them.
It’s not the first time Pitt State seniors have contributed to the community through projects like this. Past projects have included a golf cart path, a pavilion at the Pittsburg High School tennis complex, a pavilion at Schlanger Park, a sandbox at Choices Early Learning Center, and more.
“In addition to valuable job skills that prepare them for their careers, they’re getting the experience of dealing with someone outside of our classrooms,” said Associate Professor Chad Crain. “They’re gaining a deeper understanding of developing relationships with people in industry, and at local agencies and municipalities.”
The project is part of a semester-long learning experience in which students collaborate with professionals and city staff.
Early in the semester, Matt Bacon, director of public utilities for the City of Pittsburg, gives a presentation to the class about the process of getting to know different people — from city officials to those who check water meters.
For this project, students collaborated with representatives from Pittsburg Parks & Recreation and American Concrete, and were responsible for contacting Dig Safe.
Students also did the dirt work, set the wooden forms, laid a base of rock, and by early November had completed the concrete work.
In coming weeks, they’ll make saw cuts, strip the forms away, and complete the dirt work leading up to the sidewalks. It will be a finished product by the end of the semester.
Each job comes with its own unique challenges, Crain said, but that’s part of the lesson. Students go through the entire process from planning to budgeting to completing the work — often without any prior knowledge of what their assignment will be until they receive it.
“They have to be efficient when they’re out here — we talk about that a lot. Preparing your work plans, your drawings, so when you get here, you’re productive,” Crain said.
The class also is working on a concrete project in front of the Weede Gymnasium and John Lance Arena on campus — another project that will be used by thousands of student-athletes, visitors, and fans.
Senior Enzo Perez said the experience has been invaluable.
“It really helps us by giving us hands on experience – everything we’ve learned in class over the years we are now implementing in the field. It's also a way to learn from our mistakes before we go into the workforce.”
Perez said choosing Pittsburg State was an easy decision.
“Without a doubt it was a no brainer to choose Pitt State. The cost makes it the easiest choice ever, and the professors, the classes, the materials you go over, and experiences like these make it better than any other college,” Perez said.
Learn more about Construction Management at Pitt State.
