Campus Center Viking Grove Is Newest Addition to West Valley College

Situated amid the rolling Santa Clara County hills and oak trees, many students already admire West Valley College in Saratoga for its aesthetic appeal.

But the campus will soon be unveiling a newly renovated space within its midst: the “Viking Grove,” to enjoy art and music performances, or to simply sit and study.

According to WVC Interim President Bradley Davis, the small outdoor amphitheater will host its ribbon cutting ceremony in the late fall, although he did not have an exact date.

It sits next to the Campus Center, which has been completely redone and is LEED-certified for greater energy efficiency, said Davis.

“These buildings have been lovingly used over the years,” he said, pointing out new additions are also coming to such facilities as Social Science and Humanities.

On June 5, county voters passed Measure C, which provides $350 million in bond money to upgrade the academic facilities and technology of the campus buildings, some which have not been refurbished since they were originally built in 1962.

Viking Grove’s upgrades include an audio visual infrastructure, improved lighting, earthwork and landscaping, and retaining walls.

“Now, students have a space to study, relax and enjoy the campus,” said Davis.

The college plans to hold plays and other events at Viking Grove, which has a seating capacity of about 300, said Adrienne Grey, president of the West Valley Mission Community College District Board of Trustees.

The grove also features a small building with collapsible doors that can be used for celebrations and special occasions, Davis said.