Protecting a Campus Landmark: UWG Moves to Preserve Love Valley for Students, Community Share this page
The University of West Georgia’s iconic Love Valley is in dire need of TLC, and thanks to federal community project funding, it’s well on its way to recovery.
Thanks to the efforts of Brian Jack, U.S. Representative from Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District and advocate of funding the project at the federal level, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will offer more than $637,000 worth of essential infrastructure improvements to ensure the area remains safe and accessible for generations to come.
Congressman Jack helped kick off the project with an event held in Love Valley on Friday.
“I am honored to deliver a $637,520 federal investment in safety and infrastructure improvements on the campus of the University of West Georgia,” Jack remarked. “Under the leadership of its new president, Dr. Michael Johnson – a U.S. Marine Corps veteran – the University of West Georgia is one of the fastest-growing universities in Georgia. I am immensely proud to represent the West Georgia Wolves and the Carroll County community in Congress, and this federal partnership will ensure the future leaders of Georgia and our country enjoy a safe and secure environment as they prepare to be the workforce of tomorrow.”
Love Valley – a central, high-traffic green space bordered by the Campus Center, Ingram Library and other core locations – sits above a failing 2,000-foot storm drainage pipe. Recent assessments by contractors and UWG’s facilities team indicate that while the area remains safe for all who visit Love Valley, the aging storm sewer system should be addressed soon to prevent future challenges.
The area serves as one of the university’s most active outdoor venues, hosting student organizations, campus events and major community gatherings throughout the year. Among its signature events is Winter West Wonderland, which annually draws thousands of visitors from across the region.
“We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Brian Jack and his staff for their efforts in securing these federal resources that will help us protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of everyone who learns and gathers on our campus,” said Dr. Michael Johnson, UWG president. “Love Valley is the heart of UWG: a place where students study, celebrate and build community, and where thousands from across the region come together for events. This funding demonstrates responsible stewardship of public resources.”
As a regional comprehensive institution, UWG’s campus is a resource not only for students but for the broader community. The planned infrastructure project will reinforce the storm sewer system beneath Love Valley, safeguarding the space so students, families and visitors can continue to enjoy the events and experiences that define campus life.
Crews will manage erosion control, remove aging pipes and replace or relocate existing infrastructure to make way for the new storm drainage system. The project includes resetting light poles, removing trees only as needed and restoring the entire area – sidewalks, landscaping and gathering spots – to as good or better than original condition.
Workers will install temporary fencing around the site, coordinate with the City of Carrollton on the GreenBelt and ensure all sidewalks meet accessibility standards. In total, the project will install new HDPE piping to strengthen the storm sewer system beneath Love Valley.
“By reinforcing the infrastructure beneath Love Valley, we are preserving a cherished campus tradition and ensuring this space remains safe and accessible for generations to come,” Johnson concluded. “This project reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to serving our community.”
photography by Hailey Wilkinson