Thursday, November 8, 1984

The University of Arizona’s Department of Planning Services might propose the streets around the Mall be filled in with “”something more attractive”” after a study of the area is completed, the director said yesterday.

Planning Services suggested that the mall be close to vehicular traffic last spring, and since the reaction to the closure has been positive, officials would “”like to propose going further,”” said Douglas Hedlund, director of Planning Services.

“”If the Mall remains closed we won’t need the type of roads we have around the Mall now,”” Hedlund said.

Plans for the Mall include the addition of recreation and relaxation areas, Hedlund said. Some paved areas will be necessary to provide access for emergency vehicles, he added.

“”We want to make it more attractive and mike it a major public area, keeping it geared to pedestrian traffic,”” he said.

The department will begin the three-to-four-month study “”right away,”” Hedlund said. When the proposal is completed, it will be sent to the UA administration for approval, he said.

Hedlund said he “”wouldn’t dare”” estimate how much the project would cost or when the Mall work would be completed.

“”It depends on whether the funds are there and the magnitude of those funds,”” Hedlund said. The project would be funded by the UA administration, he said.

Also included in the study will be a permanent Mall “”Speakers’ Corner”” proposed by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, Hedlund said.

“”I told then I’d included it in the study now, instead of having to build around it later,”” he said.

The sloped stage would be constructed east of old Main and would be used for speeches, concerts and other Mall events, said ASUA Senator Greg Kinnear.

The stage would be built so the view of Old Main is not obstructed, he said.

“”I’ve heard voices for years calling for a permanent stage, it’s definitely worth looking at,”” Hedlund said.