OVERLAND PARK - The KU Edwards campus became more like its Lawrence counterpart last weekend with the opening of Jayhawk Central, a casual meeting place for students.

The building, 12520 Quivira Rd., is home to the KU bookstore and a coffee shop and has room for a food vendor. A basement floor has been reserved for research by KU faculty.

“We wanted to create a place where students can meet with each other before and after class, and socialize a little bit more than they’ve been able to,” said Bob Clark, vice chancellor of the Edwards Campus.

Grand opening festivities started Thursday night with an appearance by women’s basketball head coach Bonnie Henrickson.

After fielding questions about next year’s team, Henrickson urged the crowd to check out the bookstore and get some gear.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s all about the gear,” she said, joking.

Kids activities were set up outside as well, including a moonwalk, bungee run and an appearance by the spirit squad.

Rylan Howe

Bonnie Henrickson, KU women's basketball coach, greets Maria Heath, 2, and her parents Juan and Stephanie Heath Thursday outside Jayhawk Central at the Edwards Campus. Henrickson signed autographs and spoke at the beginning of Jayhawk Central's grand opening weekend.

Friday night the campus played host to a free concert by the Midday Ramblers.

Bob and Betty Becker brought their 5-year-old grandson, Nathan Hassed, to the Thursday night activities.

“The expansion is one of the greatest things to happen to this area,” Betty Becker said.

The Edwards Campus has tripled in size over the past two years, and Clark said that Jayhawk Central was a natural extension of that growth.

“Students have told me already that this feels like a real campus now, and that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve,” he said.

A survey conducted in 2004 allowed students to provide input on the new building and what would be included.

The building is divided into the bookstore and café area. The café area provides seating for 80 people spread out over a lounge atmosphere. The area also has wireless internet access, as well as satellite radio and television.

“Most of our students are working, and this gives them an opportunity to come in and get refocused on their classes,” Clark said.

Classroom size at the Edwards Campus increased last August with the opening of Regnier Hall, an 82,000-square-foot building with classrooms, offices and an auditorium.

That auditorium played host to Henrickson’s speech, as well as the concert by the Midday Ramblers, Thursday evening. Both buildings are adjacent to the campus’ main parking lot.

The KU bookstore will serve more than just students. Clark said that 26,000 cars would drive by the building on Quivira Road every day, which will be open to non-students as well.