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Kennelly Commons

The Kennelly Commons was officially dedicated on May 26, 2004. This newly completed center of the college is an outdoor plaza and pedestrian hub comprised of striking stepped entries into the Lindloom Student Center and the new Bleha Center for the Performing Arts. Bill Kennelly was a founding trustee who truly believed in “Think Students First.” His vision for the college is further reflected in the new commons.

Highlighted by a magnificent s-shaped black granite water-wall and a 5,500 pound polished floating stone sphere, the Commons is a true center for Green River Community College. Water cascades down both sides of the water-wall creating intricate and random patterns on the grooved surfaces. The sphere is carved from meta-volcanic greenstone and rotates under positive water pressure. The water is returned to a recycling pump and uses a minimal amount of water daily. The sculpture was co-designed by artist Ted Jonsson and Seattle Solstice and was fabricated by Seattle Solstice.

The Kennelly Commons is providing students, staff, faculty, and community members a central gathering point on the campus. The amphitheater style steps and concrete seating circles provide seating for groups of all sizes, both formal and informal. Classes and clubs are already taking advantage of the commons for lectures, meetings, and impromptu performances. The Kennelly Commons incorporates landscaping throughout to provide natural beauty and lawn seating.

The Kennelly Commons was made possible through private contributions and an economic stimulus capital projects grant from the state of Washington. Donors are recognized throughout the Kennelly Commons on engraved granite tiles installed on the steps and seating circles. Major donors are also recognized on a series of plaques in the sculpture area. Space is still available for anyone interested in an engraved tile. For more information, contact foundation@greenriver.edu or call 253-288-3384.

Special thanks goes to the following organizations for their involvement in the development and construction of the Kennelly Commons: Green River Community College Foundation, Green River Community College staff, Associated Students of Green River Community College, WJA Design Collaborative, Construction Enterprises, Seattle Solstice and Ted Jonsson, Mammoth Stone and Modern Tile. A special thanks is extended to the Green River Facilities staff for going above and beyond to bring this project to completion.