17/06/2026
"OXFORD, Ohio — As Miami University advances plans for a new multipurpose arena, a growing coalition of faculty, students and community members is raising alarms over what could be lost alongside the project: a grove of historic trees that advocates say includes one of the oldest Osage orange trees in the country. [...]
A grassroots survey conducted independently by an interdisciplinary group of students, faculty and alumni found overwhelming support for preserving Cook Field and its surrounding green space, while also casting doubt on whether a new arena alone would significantly increase attendance, donations or national visibility for the university.
The survey, which collected responses from 3,347 participants including students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and Oxford residents, found that 82% of respondents considered Cook Field an important part of the Miami experience, compared with just 31% who said the same about Millett Hall.
Researchers behind the survey said the findings challenge the notion that Cook Field is underutilized. Nearly half of respondents reported frequently using the area for leisure and green space, while informal physical activity ranked as the second most common use."
https://www.wcpo.com/news/education/higher-education/miami-u-news/you-cant-replace-300-years-push-grows-to-preserve-miami-universitys-historic-trees-amid-arena-project
