Henry Morse, UT system director of campus planning, and Bill Oliphant, landscape architect, announced in March 1974 that Circle Park would be improved with a large pool and fountain surrounded by bricks in the exact middle of the park. Students immediately objected. Petitions were circulated, and in two days’ time, more than 750 students signed them, wanting to keep the park available for informal use. In a week’s time, the fountain had been scrapped, although brick paths remained.