Facilities Services

Stop and Smell the Roses

UCR's historic rose island receives a renovation
By Erin Chapman and Mark Jones | June 16, 2022

Next time you pull up to the rose islands at the West Campus Drive entrance, you may want to slow down a little to experience the recent replant of approximately 230 roses. The roses are from the closest varieties to distinguished landscape architect, Ruth Shellhorn’s original 1960s design for UCR's entrance.

This area of campus carries historical significance due to Ms. Shellhorn’s prominent reputation as a landscape architect in the Los Angeles area, including her work as principal landscape designer for Disneyland.  

Landscape Services staff replanted approximately 230 roses at the West Campus Drive entrance, a project initiative to renovate the original 1960s design. 

Improving the entrance was a project initiative directed by Landscape Services. Mark Jones, Irrigation Supervisor, and former landscape supervisor Skyler Nielsen started planning the renovation of the landscaping and irrigation several years ago.  

In assessing the rose islands, it was evident that the existing 60-year old irrigation system needed a complete replacement, and the exact varieties of roses were no longer available. 

A new irrigation system with an enhanced spray system was designed inhouse, enhancing water conservation and improving the health and vitality of the roses. A specialty rose grower assisted in obtaining the closest rose varieties available. 

Completed by June 2022, all work was performed by Landscape Services staff, from concept to planning, demolition, installation, and replanting.  

Together, the landscape team: 

  • Demolished and removed dilapidated 1960’s steel irrigation system
  • Imported 115 cubic yards of new topsoil to create bermed median 
  • Installed 5 new irrigation valves with approximately 2,000’ of PVC pipe 
  • Installed 140 new sprinkler heads 
  • Planted 234, 5-gallon size roses  

Robert Dixon served as the construction and irrigation foreman for the project with Richard Bado as principal assistant and Raymond Sanchez as assistant irrigation installer. Other staff members on the project included Robbie Lundeen, Jose Sicairos, Emiliano Benitez, Chris Bringman, Jenifer Carl, Erik Gutierrez, Rogier Tenhoorn, Martin Urrutia, Armando Maravilla, and Barry McMichael. 

Thank you to the Landscape Services team for taking on this initiative to improve our campus.

More News