Anderson Regional Airport to build interactive playground with aviation theme, what to know

Anderson Regional Airport will soon have a new interactive playground with an aviation theme.

The airport recently received a $350,000 grant for the project, secured by state Sen. Mike Gambrell and state Rep. Don Chapman.

The aviation-themed playground will include airplane-shaped climbing structures, a runway, slides, swings, model airplane structures, a shaded picnic table area, and educational signage about the park.

"Anderson County is dedicated to developing Anderson Regional Airport to attract and inspire the younger generation to pursue aviation and other STEM-related careers while providing children with a safe play area," said Tommy Dunn, chairman of the Anderson County Council.

"This project will provide additional recreation opportunities for children living in western Anderson County," he said.

When will construction start on the aviation-themed playground?

With all project funding now secured, Anderson County will proceed with the final design and development of the playground’s customized play elements built by Landscape Structures.

The project has been awarded to Hammer Construction Company, which will purchase the playground equipment from Carolina Parks and Play.

Due to the six-month wait time to receive the playground equipment, construction on the playground is expected to start around December, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for the spring.

The playground will be adjacent to the airfield near the terminal building, where the former administration building space has been cleared and is ready for construction.

Chris Yang of Landscape Structures said there is currently no construction timeline for the playground.

"We hope to start this project as soon as possible," he said.

Anderson Regional Airport: Fueling, Maintenance, and Pilot Services

According to a historical marker, Anderson County's first municipal airport was on a grassy field near the Civic Center at 3027 Martin Luther King St.

The historical marker states, "In the early 1930s, land was purchased from J. Roy Pennell to create Anderson County Airport located at 5805 Airport Road."

The airport initially opened in September 1937.

According to a historical marker, "During World War II, the grass airship was paved and served pilots learning tactical bombing techniques."

The airport's name was changed from "Anderson County Airport" to "Anderson Regional Airport" on December 7, 1998.

The Anderson Regional Airport serves residents and businesses in Anderson County and the surrounding areas.

Airport amenities include a pilot lounge with cable TV and recliners, an eating area with a microwave and refrigerator, free wireless internet, limited use of an executive conference room, a pilot's flight planning room, local rental car services, shuttle and executive transportation options, limited Uber services, full-service Jet-A and Avgas, GPU, ice machine, catering cart, quick turn service, crew cars, a pilot snooze room, and an internet café.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.