Nestled in the small town of Due West, South Carolina, Erskine College is home to a growing athletics program and a tight-knit community where the line between campus and town seamlessly blends. To accommodate the growing student-athlete population, the small college recently incorporated Ralph Lundy Field - named after a legacy soccer coach whose influence covers the entire Palmetto State. Recognizing the profound impact of the college and inspired by the legacy of Ralph Lundy, SeamonWhiteside, a landscape architecture design firm, provided pro bono master planning and site design services for the vital expansion of Erksine's athletic facilities.

Erskine College's growing athletic program plays a critical role in the institution's identity. The college needed a strategic solution to expand its athletic facilities since the men's and women's soccer teams and a new football program were competing for limited space. The challenge was to remain true to the campus identity and make the field feel like it had always been there.

 

Together, Chris Watson, PLA and Alex Cabe spearheaded the effort to develop a master plan beyond immediate needs. The team carefully considered the site's topography, infrastructure, and potential future expansions. The work paid special attention to minimizing disruption to the adjacent women's softball facility, strategically positioning the new field to ensure minimal impact during and after construction, and considering opportunities for future growth.
The design incorporated a high-performance turf field with an advanced drainage system, ensuring playability in various conditions. Landscape considerations focused on preserving the existing tree canopy and completing the streetscape, allowing the new facility to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

The design team provided site planning strategies, minor field layout adjustments, and a detailed illustrative rendering that became a central element in Erskine's fundraising campaign. With a quick turnaround time, the team prioritized clear visuals and efficient guidance so construction could begin quickly.

Beyond the technical work, the design team collaborated with Erskine to integrate Ralph Lundy Field within a broader campus master plan framework, demonstrating how landscape architecture serves not only aesthetic and growth goals but also reinforces the college's identity. Today, Ralph Lundy Field is nearing completion, with a scheduled completion date this fall. The additional phases, including a new grandstand and expanded parking, are planned.

By approaching the project with growth and community character, the team transformed a simple athletic field into a strategic asset for Erskine College. The field represents more than just a playing surface - it's a space that honors the college's athletic tradition while providing a foundation for future growth.