Campus News
Leadership gift advances East Field running path renewal
A generous $500,000 gift will revitalize the East Field running path, enhancing movement, connection, and well-being across the UCSC community.
One of UC Santa Cruz’s most active and iconic outdoor spaces is about to get a major upgrade including adding all-weather surfacing. A generous $500,000 gift will allow the campus to upgrade the half-mile running path that surrounds the Upper East Field. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2026, bringing significant improvements to an area used daily by students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, and community members.
“This beautiful half-mile path around Upper East Field is the heartbeat of our outdoor recreation spaces,” said Chris Spells, director of Athletics and Recreation. “This is the largest single gift in our department’s history, and it will make a tremendous difference. It allows us to revitalize a space that bolsters student well-being and student-athlete development. It’s a resource the campus relies on every day, and we couldn’t be more appreciative.”
Known for its sweeping views of Monterey Bay, the path is a favorite place to move, take a break, and enjoy the scenery. Looping around the East Field, where student-athletes practice, students gather with friends, and community members stay active, the track supports everything from daily recreation to athletic performance. After years of steady use, the surface is ready for a refresh. The renovation will include releveling, new surfacing, and a durable, all-weather material that will strengthen its role in supporting community use and well-being for years to come. Once complete, the upgraded path will provide a more reliable and inviting space for the campus community to stay active year-round and will further enhance the recreation spaces overseen by Athletics and Recreation.
Athletics and Recreation plays a central role in promoting student well-being, connection, and campus community. Through Division III athletics, club and intramural sports, fitness programs, and outdoor recreation, the department supports active living, personal health, and Banana Slug pride for thousands of students. The running path is one of the spaces that supports this work, offering students, faculty, staff, and community members a place to move, connect, and care for themselves together. Its renovation will strengthen this shared commitment by creating a refreshed environment that supports movement, connection, and a community centered on wellness.
Beyond the improvements to the track itself, the project also reflects the campus’s broader focus on student success and community well-being. Through initiatives such as the Well-Being Collective, UC Santa Cruz is working to embed health into campus culture and create environments that help the entire community thrive. The renewed track will be an important part of that unified approach.
“This investment reflects our broader commitment to being a Health Promoting Campus,” said Akirah Bradley-Armstrong, vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Success. “Spaces like the East Field running path advance our goal of embedding health and well-being into every aspect of campus life and creating opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and our broader community to connect, recharge, and thrive. We are excited for this renewal and grateful for the support behind it.”
This gift reflects a generous commitment to UC Santa Cruz and to the well-being of our community. The impact of this contribution will extend far beyond the renovation itself—creating a refreshed space where students and community members can stay active, find connection, and build well-being for years to come. It’s a meaningful investment in the future of our campus.
Gifts like this one help create a healthier, more connected UC Santa Cruz. To join others in supporting student success and well-being, consider making a gift to the Division of Student Affairs and Success.