Civil engineer squadron provides space to park

The temporary overflow parking area resides close to the Eifel Powerhaus at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 24, 2014. Thirteen Airmen spent 1,440 hours hauling and placing nearly 3,000 tons of assorted fill and finish material to create the parking area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Civil engineer squadron provides space to park

A sign directs traffic to the temporary overflow parking area near the Eifel Powerhaus at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 24, 2014. Without this overflow parking, vehicles would park on the side of the road resulting in a safety hazard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo/Released)

Civil engineer squadron provides space to park

Published April 25, 2014
By Senior Airman Gustavo Castillo
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Members of the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron completed a temporary parking area for the new fitness center here April 17, 2014.

The parking lot facilitates the overflow of cars parking at the Eifel Powerhaus. Without this overflow parking, vehicles would park on the side of the road, resulting in a safety hazard.

"I think it helps keep Sabers safe," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Harry Friend, 52 CES night shift NCO in charge and project manager for the overflow parking lot project from Wai Pahu, Hawaii. "It keeps people from having to walk in the streets or clutter up the driving lanes, especially in hours of darkness."

Also, because of the parking situation, emergency responders did not have direct access to the fitness center in the event they have to treat an injured Airman. This additional lot eases those safety and security concerns.

The project began after the base received feedback from their community through the Community Action Information Board, Caring For People forum and various other forums throughout the year.

Thirteen Airmen spent more than 1,000 hours hauling and placing nearly 3,000 tons of assorted fill and finish over a three week period to create an additional 30 spots.

"Security forces will begin fully enforcing parking standards around the new fitness center now that the auxiliary parking lot is open," said Capt. Brian Gilliam, 52nd Security Forces Operations chief.

The fitness center is open Monday-Friday from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and holidays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.