Work Soon Begins On Pensacola's Aviation Park

Pedals. Check. Spokes. Check. Handlebars. Check.

An innovative aviation park is about to take off in Pensacola (FL), where children will soon ride their trikes, scooters and Big Wheels along miniature taxiways as they hear real-life aero-communications from the Pensacola Regional Airport next door.

"We want to do it just as soon as possible," said Dale Holbert, a member of Pensacola Area Flight Watch. His group of about 100 aviators and enthusiasts has been working on this project for the past four years. If all goes according to plan, the Pensacola News-Journal reports construction on the park should get underway within the next six months.

The idea is to get young kids interested in aviation -- a great goal for a park located right next to an airport. Funding, of course, is an issue. The park will be built in stages. It's similar to an existing park (below) in Raleigh-Durham (NC).

The News-Journal reports a miniature control tower and simulated taxiways will be built first... as soon as the money is available. Phase Two calls for construction of a plaza to honor local aviation heroes like General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. He was the first black four-star general in the USAF.

Pensacola city officials will pony up $125,000, according to finance director Dick Barker. While the final cost of Phase One hasn't yet been toted, it looks like about $160,000. Some neighboring communities are considering donations toward making the park a reality. But times, as they say, are a bit lean right now for governments around Florida.

"It seems to be a good project we can support," said District 6 City Councilman Hugh King. "But we look for significant support from the private sector as well."

Flight Watch has raised about $30,000. Much of that money, however, has been spent already on design.

Checkbook. Check. Pen. Check. Donation. Check.  

FMI: www.pafw.com