Airport Has Seen Broad Support From The Local Community For The Project

Phase one of the construction of the Greenville Downtown Airport community aviation park has been completed, according to Joe Frasher, Airport Director of the Greenville Downtown Airport. Frasher said money raised from the local community has allowed the completion on an educational amphitheater, irrigation system, fencing, and sod. He said the exercise "Perimeter Taxiway" and walking "Runways" are also complete.

"Many people and companies have donated money or purchased a personalized fundraising brick paver that will be installed in the park at the park's completion. Greenville Jet Center is donating a penny a gallon of aviation fuel sold until the park is built," Frasher said. "They have been doing that for years so they are our biggest monetary donor so far," said Frasher. "We sincerely appreciate all the support we have gotten to get us this far."

The park is set to open Friday as a free-to-use public open green space where people can have fun and watch aviation while children have space to run around, people can have blanket picnics, class trips and exercise. Frasher said that next spring, the walking "Runways" and "Perimeter Taxiway" will be painted to look like real ones. "We are now seeking donations so we can add two aviation themed playground equipment sets (one for younger children and one for older kids), a picnic pavilion, a "Control Tower" climbing structure; and we would like funds to transport and convert a fuselage into a unique and handicap accessible park entrance. We are also looking for a naming rights sponsor. All donations are tax deductible," Frasher said.

Lara Kaufmann (pictured), Public Relations Director of the Greenville Downtown Airport, indicated that over 10,000 kids a year used to visit the airport (KGSP) before 9/11. Because of new security rules, they can no longer do that. "The aviation industry foresees a huge shortage of people entering this field as a career and we feel youth outreach will help," Kaufman said. "We also know that our local citizens need jobs. We also want to provide a community place where people can get outside; and be active, exercise, play and learn. McLeod Landscape Architects really heard our vision and were able to put it on paper as the rendering shows," added Kaufmann. "We would not be this far in the process without their generous support."

KGMU is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina, and is a self-sufficient entity with financial strength that doesn't rely on local taxpayers for funding. GMU is home to Greenville Jet Center, the largest Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in S.C., as well as more than 25 other aviation-related businesses creating 453 jobs that annually contribute more than $35.2 million to the Upstate economy.

FMI: www.greenvilledowntownairport.com