Relax, Study, and Connect Outdoors
One of the simplest ways to enjoy the Marshall University Arboretum is by spending time beneath the campus tree canopy. Scattered throughout campus, a growing collection of hammocks and Adirondack chairs provides comfortable outdoor spaces for studying, meeting friends, relaxing between classes, or enjoying the natural beauty of the university’s living arboretum.
These spaces encourage students, faculty, staff, and visitors to experience the campus landscape in a new way, transforming shaded areas beneath some of Marshall University’s largest trees into destinations for learning, reflection, and recreation.
A Growing Campus Tradition
Hammock posts first appeared on campus in 2024 as part of Marshall University President Brad Smith’s campus beautification initiative. Installed in carefully selected locations, the posts provided convenient places for students to hang personal camping hammocks beneath mature shade trees.
The idea quickly became popular. Students embraced the opportunity to relax outdoors while remaining close to classrooms, residence halls, and study spaces.
As interest grew, additional hammock locations were added in subsequent years. Expansion of the program became a popular project during Community Cares Week events in 2025 and 2026, when members of the university community worked together on campus beautification and improvement projects.
To make the spaces even more accessible, Facilities and Operations later added woven hammocks that remain installed on many of the posts, allowing students to enjoy the spaces without bringing their own equipment.
More Than Hammocks
Not everyone prefers to lounge in a hammock. To provide additional seating options, Adirondack chairs were added to many of the hammock locations.
The chairs create welcoming outdoor gathering spaces that accommodate individuals and small groups alike. Students often use them for informal meetings, study sessions, conversations, or simply enjoying a pleasant day outdoors.
Together, the hammocks and chairs help extend campus life beyond traditional indoor spaces while encouraging visitors to experience the arboretum from beneath the shade of its trees.
Campus Locations
Visitors can find hammock and Adirondack chair locations throughout the heart of campus, including areas near Morrow Library, Buskirk Hall, and the First-Year Residence Halls. The map below highlights the locations featured on this page. Additional hammock locations can also be found near Marshall Commons south of this map. Photos and descriptions of each highlighted location are provided below.
South of Morrow Library
Nestled among mature trees near one of the university’s most iconic buildings, this location offers a quiet setting for reading, studying, or relaxing.
North of Memorial Student Center Plaza
Located near the center of campus activity, this area provides convenient outdoor seating within walking distance of classrooms, dining, and student services.
East of Buskirk Hall
This location offers shaded seating surrounded by some of the arboretum’s established landscape plantings.
North Entrance to Marshall Commons
A popular destination for residential students, this space provides opportunities to relax outdoors while remaining close to the residence halls.
South Entrance to Marshall Commons
Positioned near pedestrian pathways and green spaces, this location offers another option for outdoor study and recreation.
Between the First-Year Residence Halls
Designed with students in mind, this area creates a comfortable outdoor gathering place near the university’s newest residential communities.
Experience the Arboretum
These locations reflect an important part of the Marshall University Arboretum’s mission: creating opportunities for people to engage with the campus landscape.
Whether used as a study space, gathering place, outdoor classroom, or quiet retreat, these locations encourage visitors to slow down, enjoy the shade of the trees, and experience the benefits of the university’s urban forest.
Quick Facts
Feature Type: Outdoor seating and recreation areas
First Installation: 2024
Initiative: Campus beautification project
Expanded: Community Cares Week projects in 2025 and 2026
Amenities: Hammock posts, woven hammocks, and Adirondack chairs
Purpose: Recreation, study, relaxation, and outdoor gathering spaces
Locations: Six sites throughout campus