Airpark Day a Big Success in Everglades City

It wasn’t long ago when the Everglades Airpark was threatened with closure. But on November 15, it was abuzz with the sounds of aircraft coming to the very first Airpark Day, put on by the Friends of Everglades Airpark, Inc. Everglades City Airpark, known by its FAA ID as X01 on radios, was filled with aircraft of all sizes and makes on the grassy area just off the taxiway. From Cessnas to Robinson Helicopters and other aircraft, these pilots came in to support their fellow aviators and the Airpark. They could also fuel up, as the county has restored the self-service fuel pumps to full operation.

They were then transported by a steady stream of golf carts downtown to McLeod Park, where the Lions Foundation of Everglades hosted fly-in and drive-in attendees with great food, and the local youth club sold homemade desserts. Representatives from aviation electronics companies were on hand, as well as Lorenzo Walker Technical School, who provided details about their aviation mechanics program. Music was provided by Caloosa Country, and the Cool Cruisers brought some of their amazing cars. Everglades Air Tours brought a Wingless Piper Cub so children could sit in an airplane. There was also a flight simulator that let people experience flying into the Airpark.

The event was created to highlight the importance of the airpark, its financial viability, the need to support it and make necessary improvements. Everglades City is a great place to visit over a weekend or on the way down to the Keys and is the gateway to the Everglades.

The 77-year-old facility, first created by the Collier family in the early 40s, was later marked by the arrival of the first private aircraft in 1948. It was first utilized for the Collier Family's private use and later utilized by the Civil Air Patrol and the U.S. Air Force. Even President Truman visited the Airpark during his dedication of the Everglades National Park.

Airpark Day was a wonderful day for aviators, guests, and the community to get out and “punch a hole in the clouds,” and enjoy a great day in the air and on land.