Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The Living and Learning Center at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm is now open for business. The $1.5 million conference facility offers overnight accommodations, recreation and meeting space in a rural environment.

The facility has already provided training space for UWP peer advisors and lodging for commuters of Pioneer Farm's pre-veterinary camp, and several individuals and groups have already reserved the facility for university-related business or farm research activities.

"It's been nice to have this kind of a facility available to those involved with Pioneer Farm because of its proximity to the farm's facilities and fields where research information is constantly being collected," said Living and Learning Center Manager Leeann Lonsdorf. UWP officials hope student organizations, campus departments and other groups and individuals utilize the center for retreats and for lodging during special university events such as Homecoming and family weekend.

The Living and Learning Center can accommodate up to 40 guests per night with meeting space available for groups of 35. There are eight rooms with bunk beds that can accommodate one to four persons, and four rooms with two single beds that can accommodate one to two persons. Each guest is provided with a complete set of bedding along with a towel, washcloth and bathroom amenities. The rooms are furnished with a dresser, nightstand, closet, sink, mirror and a worktable with chairs.

Fees are minimal and range from a maximum of $30 per person, per night for a single adult room, and as low as $14 per person, per night for a quadruple youth room. A complete list of costs and more information about the facility can be found on the Living and Learning Center's webpage (www.uwplatt.edu/llc).

The Living and Learning Center, a joint venture between the university's Department of Housing and Dining Services, also has a spacious, fully equipped kitchen for guests to prepare their own meals. Dining Services can prepare meals for groups at an additional cost.

There are two lounges in the facility that have cushioned chairs, satellite television, a fireplace and meeting furniture. The recreation areas will be completed at the end of this summer and include horseshoe pits, biking and hiking trails, a sand volleyball court and a fire pit counsel ring. A courtyard in the center of the horseshoe-shaped facility has patio furniture and a grill for cookouts. There is also a computer station at the front desk for guests to check their e-mail. The facility is air-conditioned.

For reservations please call the Living and Learning Center at 608-342-1296 for availability. Reservations are appreciated two weeks in advance.