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(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 24, 2008 ) Buena Park, CA – Employees of the Buena Park Police Department have endured the same close-quarters for more than four decades. Originally built in 1963 as a police station and bomb shelter, the current building leaves little room for growth or the implementation of new technology.
“It’s not uncommon for two or three police deputies to share a small cubicle area, desks and all,” said Sergeant Bill Kohanek, Public Information Officer for the Buena Park Police Department. “The SWAT locker room, shared by 20 officers, is no bigger than a walk-in closet.”
Thankfully, the Buena Park Police Department breaks ground on a new facility Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at 6650 Beach Blvd., Buena Park.
Mayor Jim Dow, Chief of Police Tom Monson, and members of the Buena Park City Council are slated to attend.
The new police department, designed by Orange County-based LPA, Inc. will feature efficient and environmentally responsible building systems and equipment, community rooms, and an essential operations center.
The community rooms will provide much needed meeting space for programs such as CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams), Neighborhood Watch, and the Community Police Academy.
LPA design principal, Rick D’Amato, used a cost-effective design approach which stressed efficiency and worked with the needs of the stifled department. Sgt. Kohanek said one of his favorite features is the “atrium” space which will link internal facility functions together into one secure space.
“Diffused, natural daylight is a green element integrated into the design, especially in the atrium,” explains D’Amato. “We used a passive, intelligent approach to sustainability which speaks to the desires of the community and smart building design.”
The building serves the BPPD 66,000-square-feet of desperately needed work space. The colors and building materials will complement city hall and emphasize the buildingÂ’s nature, purpose and function. Poured in place tilt-up concrete is used to keep costs down and keep the perimeter secure.
“The whole environment will be much more enjoyable,” continues Sgt. Kohanek. “We hope to increase in size within the next five years and everyone will be happier having a work space.”
This projected is delivered in conjunction with Griffin Structures and Mc Carthy Construction.
Additional site planning includes a re-envisioned Civic Plaza with a memorial fountain, to honor fallen officers: Buena Park Detective Bud Cate (1972), Corporal Tyler Pinchot (2003), and L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Shane York (1997), who died on city ground.
“The memorial will strengthen the civic nature of the plaza and provide a quiet place for reflection,” said D’Amato.
The revised site plan will also increase the amount of visitor and staff parking in addition to secured parking, specifically for use by the police facility.
Overall, the Buena Park Police facility will add to and strengthen the Buena Park Civic Center master plan, and provide the community with state of the art service and protection.
“We are thrilled to death about this project,” finishes Sgt. Kohanek. “We’re very excited, we can’t wait.”
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