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Infrastructure
Work on AirVenture site systems and infrastructure
creates foundation for further improvements.
Nearly every construction project requires a solid foundation as a first step. Whether a building, a house, a deck — one could even argue the same principle for an airframe — a firm structural basis incorporating essential systems and utilities is the starting point from which to further assemble, expand, and adorn the project.
On a grander scale, the same is true for the comprehensive, multi-year project to upgrade the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds and facilities. Much of the work accomplished since the program launch last fall has focused on essential underpinnings: site design and configuration; drainage systems; roads and pathways; electricity, water, communications, and other utilities; and relocations of buildings and other structures.
Some observers of EAA's work through the fall and winter – whether witnessing the construction firsthand or vicariously through coverage on EAA's airventure.org website – have wondered how EAA would ensure that all the digging, hauling, stockpiling, and paving will not disrupt the visitor experience at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, July 27 – Aug. 2.
"The site enhancements that we'll have made in time for AirVenture will provide yet another good reason to come to the event. The infrastructure changes will be accomplished, several new amenities will be introduced, and site navigation, wayfinding, and transportation will be improved," said Steve Taylor, EAA facilities manager.
"As we're moving into summer, we're suspending heavy construction projects to wrap up, clean up, and ready the site for our members' and visitors' arrival. Our guests won't have to navigate around barrels, step over rubble, or be otherwise inconvenienced by an 'under construction' site," he added.
One of the most visible signs of infrastructure change at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 will be the relocation of the main gate approximately 400 feet west of its previous location. This required an extension of the main aircraft-display taxiway, "Celebration Way," and a course diversion of Forest Home Drive.
From the main gate, two new thoroughfares will branch out diagonally, one cutting its way to the northeast toward the forums area and the other making its way to the southeast to a point behind Hangar D ending at the "Paul's Woods" neighborhood of Camp Scholler. These thoroughfares form a "V" overlaying the site's otherwise north/south and east/west grid of pathways to make for a much more easily navigated site.
For example, under the previous site layout, the most efficient route to go from the Warbirds area to the Main Gate entailed a ¾-mile zig-zag through the grounds. This year, that same trek will be reduced to a ¼-mile straight shot.
The infrastructure work — surveying, clearing, grading, pouring concrete, etc. — on this part of the project alone was extensive. And one major part of this work focused on ensuring that storm water properly drains from the grounds.
Storing drainage water on airport grounds is a safety issue because lakes, ponds, and reservoirs attract waterfowl. Furthermore, storing water in such a way on the event grounds is impractical because of the need for sprawling real estate.
The program's designers and engineers looked underground — turning to state-of-the-art "green" technologies — for the answer. In "cells" under the new thoroughfares and in a large retaining area underneath the grounds, they installed more than 2,000 truckloads of clear stone and arranged it using geoblocks and geogrids to absorb and treat runoff water. This underground reservoir naturally drains into the groundwater system, eventually making its way to Lake Winnebago.
The commitment to environmentally friendly practices also included the use of recycled asphalt and recycled roofing shingles to create the porous asphalt that covers the new thoroughfares and allows for underground water drainage.
"Who knew asphalt shingles would look so green?" remarked Taylor.
The retention of trees was also prioritized. As new construction called for clearing, the site crews transplanted more than 40 mature trees from these areas into new shade and rest areas that will be a feature of the reconfigured grounds.
While the new thoroughfares, the trees, and relocations of some buildings and facilities will be conspicuous, other major elements of the infrastructure work will not. Just as the cutting edge new water treatment and drainage system is invisible, so too are all the new utilities. Buried electrical lines have been reconfigured throughout the site to match with the new exhibit layout. Likewise, the sites of newly upgraded shower and flush-toilet facilities in the campgrounds must be supported by underground electricity, water, and drainage systems.
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