This spring, the Geneva Smith dorm renovations are not the only construction project going on here at Plymouth State University. According to administration, a huge roller coaster is in the early stages of development, and is set to be installed on the Alumni Green by as early as May. Reportedly, this behemoth of an attraction is set to stand at 456 feet and will take up most of the space currently occupied by trees, benches, and walk paths in front of the Hartman Union Building.

The foreman in charge of constructing the roller coaster, the founder and C.E.O. of Roller Coaster Sales Ltd., is excited about the project. “Truth be told, we’ve never done something quite like this before,” he said, “It will be interesting to see how it pans out.”

The roller coaster will feature three loop-the-loops and some intense drops, including one from the coaster’s max height to a mere five feet off the ground – sure to be a stomach-rattler and crowd pleaser. The ride will last about a minute and a half, with a maximum speed of about 120 mph.

For such an impressive machine, there are some serious environmental concerns to consider. “It will require a significant amount of work on the grounds themselves,” the foreman said, “We’re going to have to level all these hilly parts and tear up most, ifnotallofthetrees–andalotof those bricks are going to have to go, too.”

The roller coaster will change Plymouth State as we know it, transforming a calm hangout spot into a mid-campus theme park. “It will be great for tourism, definitely,” said the foreman, “And I think it’ll bring some awesome press for the university.”

Some people, however, are not as excited about the plans. “It’s awful,” said the president of PSU’s chapter of the Collegiate Environment Club of America (CECA), “To remove the grass and trees from the middle of campus shows a disregard for the natural world.”

The roller coaster has yet to be given a name, and the administration wants the PSU community to be involved in the name selection process. A campus-wide email will be sent out shortly with an online poll attached in which anyone can submit their suggestions.

Ground work will begin on the roller coaster just as soon as the snow has melted.