The fence has been removed, and the turtles, fish and birds can resume their daily activities at their newly renovated home in the East Lagoon.

NIU students and visitors also will be able to visit the lagoon this Homecoming weekend before the leaves have fallen from the trees and before the green grass has faded, signaling the harsh, cold winter ahead.

The lagoon will be noticeably different to everyone, said Patty Perkins, assistant to Eddie Williams, the vice president of Finance and Facilities.

“Sidewalks in the area have been repaved and additional ones have been added, making it more comfortable for individuals to walk on the path or ride bikes,” Perkins said.

“People will be able to enjoy a stroll around the lagoon when walking their dogs, or when going for a jog,” she said.

Guardrails at the lagoon also have been buffed and refurbished, Perkins said.

The skating bench is not up and ready yet, but it should be completed within the next few weeks, Perkins said.

It all depends on the weather.

“If it rains, that holds us back on the deadline for having this phase of the project completed,” she said.

Lights have been added near the bridges, which weren’t there before, making it more visible and suitable for people to move about, Perkins said.

The project did not require the assistance of any student funds. Instead, appropriated funds from the state were used. The funds can not be used for salaries, buildings or other projects, Perkins said.