Grounds Yard Upgrades Improve Security and Campus Appearance

The UC Davis Grounds Yard has supported campus operations for more than a century. Now, a series of security and aesthetic improvements is helping the historic work area better serve today’s Grounds and Landscape Services team.

The site’s history dates to 1906, when a concrete pad was poured for the university’s original grounds caretaker. Located in what was once considered the “back 40” of the newly established campus, the yard gradually expanded as UC Davis grew. Trailers and other structures were added as recently as the late 1990s, but much of the site eventually became outdated.

For years, major improvements were deferred because the Grounds team might have been relocated and the property redeveloped. Once it became clear that the team would likely remain, Facilities Management received approval to begin investing in the space.

Security became an urgent priority after a series of burglaries disrupted Grounds operations. Shops were broken into and cleared of tools, vehicles were damaged, and gasoline was siphoned from equipment.

“These incidents created a huge disruption to our workflow,” said Tyson Mantor, assistant director for Grounds and Landscape Services within Custodial, Grounds and Waste Management. “This project is ultimately about protecting university assets and allowing our employees to do their jobs without having to repeatedly recover from theft and vandalism.”

The upgrades include new fencing modeled after fencing used elsewhere by Facilities Management, along with an alarm system and security cameras. Since the alarm was installed, the yard has not experienced another theft.

Security is only part of the transformation. The new fence will soon feature an artistic wrap designed by FOA Communications and approved through the university’s review process.

The design uses richly layered images inspired by the UC Davis landscape, including painted blue oak, woodland strawberry and blue-eyed grass. Informational panels highlight the plants’ ecological value, from providing habitat and shade to supporting native bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

The original watercolors were created by Olka Bodnar, a fourth-year studio art major and transfer student who joined UC Davis from Sierra College. Through her work with FOA Communications, she was invited to develop artwork for the fence after previously creating watercolor pieces for a traveling museum project. Inspired by nature, plants and her own experiences, Bodnar transformed the individual paintings into an abstract digital collage that complements the nearby Arboretum landscape without competing with it. Andrew Larsen completed the graphic elements, incorporated the UC Davis branding and coordinated with the print shop to prepare the design for installation. Bodnar, who plans to graduate this year, said she would welcome future opportunities to create artwork for the campus community.

Installation is expected to be completed before the beginning of the academic year.

The artwork will turn what could have been a blank, utilitarian barrier into an extension of the surrounding landscape. Mantor hopes the detailed design will also discourage graffiti by removing the appearance of an open canvas.

Located near Lake Spafford and Mrak Hall, the Grounds Yard occupies a highly visible part of campus. The wrap will help the area become a more attractive neighbor while reflecting the expertise and environmental stewardship of the employees who work behind the fence.

“We’re looking forward to the yard no longer being an eyesore,” Mantor said. “It sits at the crown of Lake Spafford. Now it will be aesthetically pleasing while protecting the equipment our team needs to care for campus.”

Together, the fencing, alarm, cameras and artwork represent a practical investment in safety, operational continuity and campus appearance—giving one of UC Davis’ oldest working spaces a more secure and welcoming future.