Washington Square to close for 6 months Published July 30, 2010 By Amanda Harris 100th Civil Engineer Squadron RAF MILDENHALL, England -- On a beautiful summer day at work, many people enjoy nothing better than getting out of their office and walking tree-lined sidewalks to lunch or a meeting. Soon, RAF Mildenhall workers around the Washington Square area will be able to do just that as RAF Mildenhall makes its first strides toward creating a walking campus throughout the community area. After five years of planning initiated by a Chief of Staff of the Air Force visit, Washington Square will begin its transformation from parking lot to shaded lawn and sidewalks Aug. 16. In addition to creating a more appealing gathering area, the project's goals include promoting unity between mission-focused operations, supporting anti-terrorism and force protection compliance, addressing safety concerns, making the base more environmentally conscious and promoting personal fitness. An archaeologist will be onsite investigating the potential presence of historical artifacts while the pavement is undergoing demolition. A major focus of the project is to repair the sanitary and storm sewer utilities that run underneath the square. Upon completion, the base will have a new garden, complete with brick sidewalks, park benches, bike racks and landscaping. The project will also increase community safety by reducing current anti-terrorism and force protection vulnerabilities and providing a pedestrian-friendly environment free of vehicles. Additionally, the project contributes to Air Force initiatives for going green by removing hard surfaces that contribute to stormwater pollution and reducing vehicular pollution caused by driving through the campus. Economically, the green campus will save money by reducing the maintenance costs of the failing pavement and drainage systems in the area. While there are numerous reasons for this project, a major concern for workers around the square is parking. While developing the Washington Square project, planners addressed this issue and throughout the last few years, parking has been expanded in the surrounding areas. Workers are encouraged to use lots serving the Galaxy Club, Bob Hope Community Center, Arts and Craft store, dental clinic, Northside Fitness Center and Chapel. Oregon Road will also be closed Aug. 16 while improvements to the area are made. This road runs near Buildings 422, 427 and 428. Pedestrian access to most buildings around the square will not be affected. However, buildings closest to the construction will have some minor diversions: Building 436 - All front doors will open via sidewalks from the west. Building 441 - The front door will open from a pathway starting on Ohio Avenue. Building 427 - The back door (west) will be used for normal access. Building 438 - The back door (east) will be used for normal access. Recycling removal services will also be affected by the Washington Square project. New pick up areas are: Buildings 428 and 436: Indiana Road Buildings 422 and 427: Penn Avenue -- on the corner opposite Bldg. 424 Buildings 426 and 441: Ohio Road Buildings 435, 438 and 440: Idaho Road -- same area as usual The goal for reopening Washington Square to pedestrians is January 2011. Landscaping is scheduled to follow in early spring. For more information, contact Chris Nicholson at DSN 238-5661.