Restore Normandale Japanese Garden's traditional red hue
Restore Normandale Japanese Garden's traditional red hue
The Issue
Growing up, I always admired the stunning beauty of the Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College. Over the many years visiting, I've seen countless alumni events, wedding, graduation and family photos taken here as countless individuals cherished the garden’s profound tranquility. The Garden's iconic red features symbolized more than just aesthetic appeal — they represented our school spirit and heritage.
Recently, however, a puzzling change was made. The classic red elements of the garden have been replaced with orange, a color that doesn't resonate with the Normandale community. Many of us—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—don't see ourselves reflected in this new color choice. The orange does not match the cherished memories or the brand of our beloved institution.
Normandale Community College's identity is intertwined with the Japanese Garden's design, an essential retreat that has provided solace and inspiration to countless individuals over the decades. This garden, with its vibrant red, has been a testament to the college's dedication to tradition and continuity. Changing it to orange detaches a piece of our identity.
Aesthetic choices in a college setting are not superficial. They affect communal morale, school spirit, and prospective students' attraction to the college. The garden in its original red was a central part of campus tours, a visible symbol of what makes Normandale unique. We risk losing this pivotal aspect of our campus culture.
I urge the college administration to consider the overwhelming sentiment shared by those connected to Normandale. Let us restore the Japanese Garden to reflect its traditional red hue, which aligns with the memory and identity of our institution. Enhancing our college's legacy should respect its past while embracing the communal spirit that red has symbolized for years.
Sign this petition to show your support in restoring the Normandale Community College Japanese Garden to its iconic red, preserving its historical and cultural significance for current and future generations.
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The Issue
Growing up, I always admired the stunning beauty of the Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College. Over the many years visiting, I've seen countless alumni events, wedding, graduation and family photos taken here as countless individuals cherished the garden’s profound tranquility. The Garden's iconic red features symbolized more than just aesthetic appeal — they represented our school spirit and heritage.
Recently, however, a puzzling change was made. The classic red elements of the garden have been replaced with orange, a color that doesn't resonate with the Normandale community. Many of us—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—don't see ourselves reflected in this new color choice. The orange does not match the cherished memories or the brand of our beloved institution.
Normandale Community College's identity is intertwined with the Japanese Garden's design, an essential retreat that has provided solace and inspiration to countless individuals over the decades. This garden, with its vibrant red, has been a testament to the college's dedication to tradition and continuity. Changing it to orange detaches a piece of our identity.
Aesthetic choices in a college setting are not superficial. They affect communal morale, school spirit, and prospective students' attraction to the college. The garden in its original red was a central part of campus tours, a visible symbol of what makes Normandale unique. We risk losing this pivotal aspect of our campus culture.
I urge the college administration to consider the overwhelming sentiment shared by those connected to Normandale. Let us restore the Japanese Garden to reflect its traditional red hue, which aligns with the memory and identity of our institution. Enhancing our college's legacy should respect its past while embracing the communal spirit that red has symbolized for years.
Sign this petition to show your support in restoring the Normandale Community College Japanese Garden to its iconic red, preserving its historical and cultural significance for current and future generations.
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Petition created on September 10, 2026