WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Washington State University (WSU) landscape architecture students are working on a project to transform the exercise yard at the Washington State Penitentiary’s minimum-security unit.
The redesign is part of the Washington Way initiative, which seeks to make prison life resemble life outside as much as possible, particularly for those nearing the end of their confinement, WSU announced on its Insider page.
Assistant Professor Dan Cronan tasked his undergraduate studio class with creating a multi-use space featuring greenery, walking paths, athletic fields and seating areas.
Associate Superintendent Bradley Bowman emphasized the potential benefits of such redesigns. “Creating that culture and environment has been shown to improve working conditions for corrections officers… It also increases the likelihood that prisoners make a successful return to outside life,” he said.
Student Ella Roney’s design was selected by corrections officials. It includes paved gathering places, a multiuse sports field, sports courts, a running or walking path and seating areas.
Murals painted by inmates could cover the surrounding walls. Inmate labor would be utilized to build stewardship for the space.
Corrections officials were impressed by the students’ work and took Roney’s design to Norway to discuss with experts on incarceration and the Washington Way initiative, WSU Insider added.
