A master plan to enhance the Astronaut Memorial Grove
2015-10-20
You may have noticed those large and growing dirt piles around the outskirts of the Astronaut Memorial Grove. They are one of the many improvements to Johnson Space Center that are spelled out in JSC’s “master plan” for the next 20 years, according to JSC Master Planner Perry Bennett.
Those dirt piles will be transformed into large landscaped berms that will enhance the privacy of the astronaut grove and give it a more park-like feel. On the side facing NASA Parkway and Saturn Lane, the berms will be up to 15 feet tall, providing a sound barrier and helping to prevent flooding. On the side facing Avenue E, the berms will be five feet tall with a defined entrance for visitors. In the next few months, the berms will be sculpted and planted with native plants and grasses.
So where is the dirt coming from? The excavation of the new Life Sciences Laboratory in Building 21 is giving “life” to these artfully arranged piles.
“It’s a great example of transforming a waste product into something valuable,” said Charles Noel, chief of the Planning Office. “We don’t have to buy dirt to provide the backdrop, and we don’t have to pay to dispose of the excavated dirt from Building 21. It’s a win-win all around.”
Joel Walker, director of Center Operations, said that this is part of the slow and natural evolution of the space from an open field with a few trees to a relaxing and contemplative memorial space. The entrance is designed to mimic natural, undulating hills and invite guests down the path and into the grove.
Future improvements in the master plan will relocate the perimeter fence and main security gate north of Avenue E and south of the parking lots for Building 15. This will provide public access to the Astronaut Memorial Grove. Currently, the only way the public can visit is via the tram tour offered through Space Center Houston. A secondary benefit of moving the gate is reducing the traffic backup on Saturn Lane.
When JSC gathers to celebrate the annual Day of Remembrance on Jan. 28, the Astronaut Memorial Grove will not be complete, but outlined to show some of the prospective changes. When work on the grove is finished, it will be a serene and private space in which to remember our heroic astronauts.
Michelle Fraser-Page
NASA Johnson Space Center
Those dirt piles will be transformed into large landscaped berms that will enhance the privacy of the astronaut grove and give it a more park-like feel. On the side facing NASA Parkway and Saturn Lane, the berms will be up to 15 feet tall, providing a sound barrier and helping to prevent flooding. On the side facing Avenue E, the berms will be five feet tall with a defined entrance for visitors. In the next few months, the berms will be sculpted and planted with native plants and grasses.
So where is the dirt coming from? The excavation of the new Life Sciences Laboratory in Building 21 is giving “life” to these artfully arranged piles.
“It’s a great example of transforming a waste product into something valuable,” said Charles Noel, chief of the Planning Office. “We don’t have to buy dirt to provide the backdrop, and we don’t have to pay to dispose of the excavated dirt from Building 21. It’s a win-win all around.”
Joel Walker, director of Center Operations, said that this is part of the slow and natural evolution of the space from an open field with a few trees to a relaxing and contemplative memorial space. The entrance is designed to mimic natural, undulating hills and invite guests down the path and into the grove.
Future improvements in the master plan will relocate the perimeter fence and main security gate north of Avenue E and south of the parking lots for Building 15. This will provide public access to the Astronaut Memorial Grove. Currently, the only way the public can visit is via the tram tour offered through Space Center Houston. A secondary benefit of moving the gate is reducing the traffic backup on Saturn Lane.
When JSC gathers to celebrate the annual Day of Remembrance on Jan. 28, the Astronaut Memorial Grove will not be complete, but outlined to show some of the prospective changes. When work on the grove is finished, it will be a serene and private space in which to remember our heroic astronauts.
Michelle Fraser-Page
NASA Johnson Space Center
Enhanced entry into the improved Astronaut Memorial Grove.
Another view of the Astronaut Memorial Grove after future work is complete.