Aviation themed playground underway near Upstate airport

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Parents know kids learn through play and leaders in Anderson County hope their new playground will inspire kids to aim high.

“We don’t have a lot of playgrounds in that area,” said Tommy Dunn, Anderson County council district 5.

The new playground that is in the works in Anderson County will not only be a fun place for the kids, but leaders said they hope it will inspire children to consider careers in aviation and other STEM-related fields.

“People just pull up and park or get out of the cars and see it and watch planes come in and out and are fascinated with it and that’s a good thing. Hopefully this is going to enhance that and get more people involved in our airport,” said Dunn.

Sponsored by private contributions from the community and a $350,000 grant, the playscape will be located near the Anderson Regional Airport.

“Some other airports have got it so we piggybacked off their ideas and want to do something. We’ve had some local interest that brought it up and are willing to help fund it and so that’s how we got here,” said Dunn.

Dunn said for children living in western Anderson County, this will bring recreational opportunities closer to home.

The Civic Center probably is the closest one that way. As far as county parks, nothing is really out that way so it’s good to have something that way because that’s a big area,” said Dunn.

County leaders said the playground should open sometime in 2025.

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