Publication Date
2026
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Panvini
Presentation Type
Gallery
Summary
Although Belmont works hard to establish adequate green spaces on our campus, there is much work to be done if we want our students and the wildlife around us to maximize their ecosystem services. More specifically, Belmont can strive to implement nature-based solutions for its athletes, who are often competing in highly urbanized facilities. For this project, we have decided to redesign Belmont’s Tennis Courts, improving their design by increasing their green infrastructure. Our new design was created from a biophilic perspective and intends to serve all aspects of the triple bottom line. The new tennis courts will include ecologically friendly aspects such as vegetation buffers, trees to provide shade, permeable surfaces for improved stormwater management, plants for local pollinators, and more. The redesigned courts will improve air quality, increase biodiversity, reduce urban heat island effects, and support student-athletes' mental health and overall well-being. This project will encompass the transformation of a ‘grey’ infrastructure into a space where nature-based solutions can provide ecosystem services and contribute to broader ecological prosperity.
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Abbie E.; David, Smith; and Panvini, Darlene, "Ecological Renovation of Belmont Tennis Courts" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1073.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1073
