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News

BAFB marks construction start for community-enhancing projects

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Members of Team Buckley broke ground on two new base projects aimed at enhancing the community environment and improving playtime for children Aug. 5 at the chapel.

The new construction includes an accessible community park complete with pathways, picnic areas and bike racks, as well as an accessible playground with a sandbox, art easels and musical instruments.

Projects like these relate to the newly coined phrase B3T: Building a Better Buckley Together, said Col. John Wagner, 460th Space Wing commander. "I think we're doing this at the right time and the right place ... to foster growth and development in the community."

The commander emphasized these projects are not just for the 460th SW. Rather, the entire Team Buckley community can take advantage of what the sites have to offer.

This park will benefit anyone who wants to contemplate, meditate or just enjoy the great outdoors, said Tom Cox, 460th Force Support Squadron youth programs chief. The playground "will ensure our children have a place to create memories."

Numerous organizations have been active in the development of these projects, which are estimated to cost approximately $500,000 total. From a five-person design team and more than a handful of contractors to representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and various subcontractors, the collaboration on all sides has been instrumental in seeing these projects to fruition.

"It will be about six weeks to completion," said Terry McLeod, U.S. ACE construction control representative. "They have an aggressive schedule."

With approximately 14,000 square feet to construct at the park and approximately 8,000 square feet to renovate at the playground, the contractors will be busy to meet their goal of having the projects complete in September.

"I can't wait to get this done," exclaimed Tom McGetrick, regional operations manager for Betance Enterprises, Inc., the contractor responsible for the projects.

 

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