GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Aug. 18, 2010

This week, the Greenville Airport Commission voted to start a fundraising effort to build a park near the soon to open Runway Café at the Greenville Downtown Airport. The commission will be donating the use of its 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.

Hank Brown, owner of the Greenville Jet Center, says people often stop their cars to view 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,” he said.

Previous coverage
Downtown airport seeks restaurant, park

The park will be set up similar to the one at the Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Atlanta. It will have picnic tables, a viewing stand and playground equipment. Airport officials would also like to have a walking 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,” said Lara Kaufmann, public relations director for the airport. “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.”

The park site has a view of airport activity and is adjacent to the new restaurant. The Runway Cafe will have indoor and outdoor seating, private meeting room space and a hangar for large special events.

The Greenville Jet Center is the first donor. GJC has committed to donate a portion of all plane fuel sales from now until the park is completed.