Phi Theta Kappa Society hosting their ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the project’s completion. Photo by LLC Phi Theta Kappa via Facebook.

Earlier this October, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) completed their work on renovating the Sunken Gardens located on Lake Land College campus.

As part of the Honors in Action program, PTK members must complete two yearly service projects, in order to give back to their college and community. This year, their first project was centered around the “art and science of play.” The club members decided to improve the campus Gardens, so that they could continue to serve as a place for students and staff to work and relax.

“Success in school isn’t just academic – it’s also social,” Casey Reynolds, the PTK advisor, said. The goal was to create a relaxing environment that would encourage those on campus to connect with others and their surroundings. The project planning and execution was primarily student led, Reynolds credited them with carrying out 99% of the work.

The renovation of the campus Sunken Gardens began in September and took approximately five days to complete, involving the help of PTK members, the grounds crew, maintenance and volunteers. Planning and organization for the project began in June, and two and a half months were spent on research and preparation. Nearly all of the materials were readily available on campus from separate projects, and the team was able to complete their goal using what they had. Not only were they able to add fresh mulch and new plants, they also utilized the garden’s water feature to build a small pond.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 18 to mark and celebrate the completion of the project. At this event, members of PTK and others who participated in the project expressed their satisfaction with completing this challenge and providing something for the community.

“It was very rewarding to sit back and enjoy what we built,” PTK President, Tashia Carter said. A positive response from campus has already been seen. Both staff and students have been making more frequent use of the Sunken Gardens as a place to study, socialize over lunch or simply relax between classes. “The vision is coming to life already,” Carter said.

PTK will be continuing their work for the community and in the meantime hopes that their achievement inspires other clubs to take action around campus.