There are people everywhere. Playing frisbee, walking to class, studying, and most of all, socializing. The purpose of The Oval is to allow students to get to class faster. Today The Oval is a relaxing place and is an area where people can unwind. But the history behind The Oval is what is intriguing to me. At Ohio State’s beginning, the Oval was just a corn field. Students would cut through and use it as a shortcut to get to class. But when the cornfield was removed and changed to what is now The Oval, they simply paved the paths that were already established by the students to create the crisscross of sidewalks that one can see today. That is why the sidewalks through the grass are not symmetrical, as they are a direct result of the paths created by the students so many years ago.
The Oval represents a sense of community between all of the students at The Ohio State University know where The Oval is and know the quickest route to get there from their dormitory. It is a place to congregate and meeting place for nearly everyone at Ohio State. It also is a refreshing burst of greenery among the many buildings and dormitories and provides a tranquil escape for students on their way to class. As one walks through The Oval, perhaps just after leaving class, seeing the peaceful scenery and perhaps encountering a few friends and familiar faces is sure to brighten anyone’s day and undoubtedly enhance the sense of community at The Ohio State University.