The first phase of CircleWalk—the plan to knit together CWRU and other University Circle institutions with pathways, green space, public art, lighting and signage—will begin in May with the Wade Oval improvement project.

The project will entail construction of a subtle stage area built into the landscape, wider pathways around the park's perimeter, a wireless system with fiber-optic network compatibility, decorative light poles and more park benches, and drinking fountains and new waste receptacles.

An enhanced electrical system, a new irrigation system and new grass also are included.

The project will begin with construction of a fence around Wade Oval and site re-grading in May, followed by the installation of site irrigation piping in June. Paving and concrete for the walkway will be laid in July, when construction of the performance area and installation of benches, lights and park fixtures also will take place.

Seeding will be complete in August, and the grass will be allowed to germinate into October.

The fence is scheduled to be removed in October, when the oval is expected to reopen.

CWRU and other members of the Wade Oval advisory committee, assisted MSi, a landscape architectural firm from Columbus, in designing improvements for Wade Oval. MSi based its work on the concept plan created—with input from circle institutions, neighboring residents and city officials—by the New York-based Project for Public Spaces, one of the nation's preeminent public space planning organizations.

Wade Park encompasses The Cleveland Museum of Art, Fine Arts Garden, Wade Lagoon, the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

For details, contact Debra Posner at dposner@universitycircle.org.