Park Reverses Stance on Campus Access

Park University has reversed their position and will now allow guests to run on a specially marked trail on a temporary basis (basically, the duration of the Flood of 2011). The trail plan was approved by President Michael Droge. In comments to the Luminary, Park spokesperson Rita Weighill said the University quickly realized "a need to be flexible" due to the flood.

As reported in last week's Luminary, campus security had been turning away non-students, faculty or others with "official business on campus, leading to an outcry among area joggers and alumni.

Under the pilot plan, temporary day passes and dashboard cards will be issued by campus security that will be valid from sunrise to sunset. Runners are required to also check out with security. Weighill said that the plan gives the university confidence they can provide security to students and ensure the safety if those using the trails on a day pass. "If someone is hurt, we wouldn't want them out there alone," Weighill said.

More in tomorrow's Luminary. (Click through below to see the trail and to download a temporary pass form.)

Click here to download a "guest runner application" form.