Soon the sounds of progress will once again be heard on the Troy State campus as construction begins on the Quad in front of Bibbs Graves Hall.

One of those first sounds, no doubt, will be chainsaws as the old pecans that now adorn the green come down.

Also falling under the landscape plan will be the asphalt of the parking areas around the Quad.

In their place, however, will spring forth a new campus commons - following many of the original landscaping plans developed by the legendary Olmstead brothers, architects of Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and of New York City's Central Park.

There's little doubt in anyone's mind about the outcome of the project. It is certainly one that will greatly enhance an already beautiful university.

The only downside to this project is that we will be inconvenienced for a short time as construction will disrupt traffic flow around University Avenue.

Credit for the project goes to the many individuals who have made financial commitments to beautifying our campus. Financed entirely through private donations, the Quad – when it is completed - will certainly become yet another unique point of pride for Troy and Pike County.