Marking the Miles

Runners and walkers may have noticed a small change to the wall that surrounds the track at East Campus - mileage markers.

The Office of the University Architect arranged for placement of seven Duke-blue markers every quarter-mile along the inside of the East Campus wall in early July, mapping out the 1.7-mile track. Each 6-square inch marker was created in a similar style seen on plaques around Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Wilson Recreation Center on West Campus.

The new markers are meant to replace old painted ones in the ground said Mark Hough, Duke's campus landscape architect. The old markers are still in place but are barely visible, he added.

"These new markers aren't going to jump out at people, but once you see a marker you're clued into the next one, which will be helpful for people out there exercising," Hough said. "The desire wasn't to make something big and bold, but to keep it subtle and in the Duke style."

The project, which cost about $1,500, was funded through Residence Life and Housing Services as a partnership with Duke Student Government and Campus Council. Residence Life sets aside money each year to partner with student groups on improving campus, said Joe Gonzalez, associate dean for Residential Life. Other projects from the partnership have included adding ice machines and buying outdoor furniture for dorms.

"Student perspective is different from faculty and staff, so it creates positive changes when they identify small things like this to make Duke a better place," Gonzalez said. "We were able to allow students to shape their community in a way that benefits everyone."