Stevenson University continues to move forward with plans for the development of the Rosewood site.

While construction and completion dates have yet to be finalized, the university is moving past the final hurdles to start breaking ground on the site.

Seniors who are currently enrolled at Stevenson should expect the initial grading process to begin while they are still enrolled, according to Michael Stanton, vice president of finance and administration.

The preconceived plan for the 117-acre space is to expand the university’s athletic fields, while even possibly adding a track for the track and field teams.

“We’re hoping for more grass fields, things like that. We don’t have that much space on the main campus and only have one field. The hope is that the new space will provide a lot more room for our athletic teams to train,” said Stanton.

While rumors have been circulating regarding the use of the space, including that it will be used for more student housing, Stanton said that the primary purpose, at least initially, is to grow the athletic program.

“Our athletic programs, all 27, are solid across the board,” said Stanton. “These new facilities we have planned are a great recruiting tool and a retention tool for students to want to stay here.”

The new facilities will be of great use to athletes and non-athletes alike. There will be more than one grass field, so students will not have to fight over field time. All students will be granted access to the fields and facilities.

For current freshmen, it is likely that they will see the most progress on the Rosewood site, and they may even see finished buildings there when they are juniors or seniors, according to Stanton.

Having more space to play and practice sports is a positive for current and future athletes.

“I committed here without knowing the plans to expand the athletic department even more,” said freshman volleyball player Elliot De la Torre.

Some of the conceptualization for the use of the Rosewood space include a new gym, which would double as another space for volleyball players. While plans have yet to be firmed up, this is one of the many possibilities for the space, said Stanton.

“Students who are freshmen now should expect some level of completeness of the buildings on the Rosewood site,” said Stanton.

More information will be available as development continues for the new campus.