Would Partner With Local Non-Profit Organization 'Kaboom' To Build The Playground

AOPA Members may be getting another fundraising pitch in their mailboxes soon. The association went before the Frederick, MD airport commission last week to pitch an idea they say would make Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK) "more friendly place," and have the added benefit of showing a more positive image of GA to the local community.

The Frederick News Post reports that Stephanie Kenyon, AOPA’s vice president of strategic philanthropy, went before the commission Thursday to pitch the idea. She said they would partner with the nonprofit group "Kaboom" to build the playground.

The group normally focuses its efforts on low-income areas, and the airport project would be the first of its kind for Kaboom, Kenyon said.

The AOPA estimates that the project would cost about $175,000 for project management and materials, and that the AOPA is "willing to completely, 100 percent willing. to fund this project." AOPA would also pay for the ongoing maintenance of the equipment.

The proposal drew support from both commission members and the public. Any construction at the airport would have to go through the city's normal planning process. But Kenyon said that if there is a plan presented by June, the park could be built by late September.

FMI: www.cityoffrederick.com/index.aspx?NID=125, www.aopa.org