Opinions wanted as Peterson develops for future

Published Dec. 12, 2017
By Dave Smith, staff writer
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With a nod to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, something unusual this way comes.

Planners from 21st Space Wing Civil Engineer Squadron are working to compile plans for the development of Peterson Air Force Base in the coming years. The unusual part is that in addition to leadership they are seeking input from anyone who works or lives on base.

“What we are doing is looking at the future of Peterson Air Force Base,” said Mike Shafer, 21st CES community planner. “This is their chance to have input on the development of the base.”

There are two areas of interest for planners. One is the Triangle – including the Peterson Chapel, the 21st Security Forces Squadron shoot house, shopette, youth ball fields and the Moorman Space Education and Training Center - and the other is the Command Complex which encompasses buildings 1-3 and extends east to Marksheffel Rd.

The study’s primary undertaking is to discover the best uses of available space on the base.

“The study will look at what we should do and what do we put there,” Shafer explained.

Between Dec. 12-14 planners, along with representatives of project consultants HB&A, will conduct interviews with individuals to get unique and varied perspectives, said Shafer. Some have been predetermined, such as one with Col. Todd Moore, 21st Space Wing commander, and other leader-stakeholders.

Additionally, interested Airmen, civilians or contractors can set up a time to meet with the interviewers.

“We’d like to engage stakeholders and get their vision of what Peterson Air Force Base should become,” Shafer said. “We want their thoughts on what’s important for the base’s future.”

Following interviews the group will conduct a charette, a term from the architecture and planning world referring to a collaborative workshop. The charrette begins at 1:30 p.m. January 16th at the Peterson Club. Sessions will continue through January 18th and the charette out-brief takes place at 1:30 on January 20, 2018.

During the charrette ideas garnered from the interview portion of the study will be discussed. Stakeholders will be able to view them and decide which of them are best. Those ideas will make their way into the final drawings and plans.

“Hopefully we can come together with something we agree on,” said Shafer.

The initial process lasts about one year, he said. By the end of 2018 the group hopes to have a finished product from which to proceed. The final ideas will be complete between 5 and 10 years later, as funding is available.

Having a plan is beneficial not only for shaping Peterson AFB for the future, but it also serves to tempt organizations looking for new locations to seriously consider the base, Shafer said.

To get in on determining what Peterson AFB looks like in the future, contact Glenn Messke, 21st CES planner at (719) 556-4136 or Shafer at (719) 556-4399.