Donated Land Has A Great View Of Airport Activity

One of the things often cited as a barrier to the next generation getting involved in aviation is the lack of access to airports and the spaces around them. It's tough these days to go peer through the airport fence, and out of sight is out of mind. The Greenville, South Carolina Airport Commission voted this week to start a fundraising effort to build a park near the soon to open, Runway Café which it is hoped will become a place to go and watch the airplanes fly. The Commission will be donating the use of it's land for the park. "We would like to provide a place for our Upstate community residents to enjoy aviation and outside recreation," said Joe Frasher, Airport Director at KGMU. "At any given time, you can drive around GMU and see people stopped in their cars viewing the airport's activity. We look forward to providing a welcoming destination where people can park, get out and feel comfortable enjoying this special place," stated Hank Brown, owner of Greenville Jet Center.

Proposed KGMU Park Playground Design

"We envision a set up similar to the one at the Peachtree Dekalb Airport (KPDK) in Atlanta. It has picnic tables, a viewing stand and playground equipment. We would also like to have a walking exercise path around the space. Several park designs are under consideration. We are just waiting to see how much money we can raise and whether or not a large sponsor would like to help make the final choice. We are looking for individuals and companies that would like to make donations of any amount to enhance our community's interest in aviation, while at the same time providing an activity based outside space," said Lara Kaufmann, Public Relations Director for KGMU.
 
The park site has a great view of airport activity and is adjacent to KGMU's, soon-to-open, new restaurant, the Runway Café . This appropriately named venue will have indoor and outdoor seating, private meeting room space and a hangar for large special events. The Runway Café will serve a variety of food, as well as beer and wine.
 
"A plan is being made to have levels of donations and the largest donor may get to even name the park," stated Kaufmann. "All donation amounts are welcome. Five dollars here and ten dollars there will really add up. All donations are tax deductible, per our tax accountant and we will build the best park that we can with the money we are able to raise. Our first official pledge has come from Greenville Jet Center which has committed to donate a portion of all their plane fuel sales from now until the park is completed," he added.

Greenville Downtown Airport (KGMU)

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. The airport is home to more than 25 aviation-related businesses creating 453 jobs that annually contribute more than $35.2 million to the Upstate economy.

FMI: www.greenvilledowntownairport.com