SANTA CRUZ — UC Santa Cruz officials made the call Wednesday to permanently close and dismantle the university’s Camper Park, a 42-space housing area on the north side of the campus, due to health and safety concerns, according to a statement. “After an extensive safety and sustainability review process, UC Santa Cruz is closing the Camper Park housing facility on Leonardo Lane,” read the statement. “This decision was reached due to the significant health and safety concerns.
” UC Santa Cruz spokesperson Scott Hernandez-Jason told the Sentinel that the decision to close the park was made with students’ health in mind. “Our heath and safety concerns related to fire hazard, the physical security of each trailer, indoor air quality (especially carbon monoxide), and mold,” Hernandez wrote to the Sentinel. “The safety and wellbeing of our students and entire campus community is always our highest priority.
” The university statement goes on to state that, “During this review process, input was solicited from many, including the campus Fire Marshal’s office, Environmental Health and Safety, and Campus Housing. Camper Park residents were also actively involved in discussions with campus staff during the spring quarter to provide their input and perspectives.” However, former Camper Park residents disagree with the university’s statement and said that they were not involved in the decision to close the park, such as third-year UCSC student Natalie Twilegar.