CHAPTER 5

Conclusions and Future Research

Airports have had to consider methods to ensure business continuity, and this includes community support for the airport. Creating a park or recreational use space on the airport is one way to address a business continuity plan’s emphasis on social responsibility.

The objective of this synthesis is to describe the experiences of airports that provide airport property for publicly accessible parks and other recreational uses. This project has discovered that there are many ways airports have converted airport land for park or recreational use. The available space the airport has to convert to a park or recreational area will dictate how the space is utilized (whether as a green space, playground, walking trail, or other use), and there are different considerations to keep in mind when converting airport property.

This report is intended to present a summary of current practice for parks and recreational use at airports. Case examples provide a state of current practice and insights for airports considering socially responsible ways to be perceived as more sustainable, including creation of a park or recreational use on the airport. Findings inferred from the literature review and airport interviews include the following:

Community Benefits. Engaging with the community is important if an airport wants to create a space that serves the public. Input from the neighboring community on its needs and wants for a space may also generate goodwill for the airport. Additionally, developing a park or recreational use space that is in close proximity to the airfield can provide positive exposure to aviation as well as an opportunity to provide educational information about the airport.

Land Use Planning. AC 150/5190-4B – Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning discusses airport recreational land use, which includes parks. This AC is meant to provide an understanding of land use compatibility issues related to safety impacts on recreational users. Airports may need to consider a location that minimizes conflicts with runway safety areas, RPZs, and object free areas when designating the space to be used as a park or for recreational use. Additionally, airports have experienced 14 CFR Part 13 or Part 16 complaints as a result of airport property not being used for aeronautical purposes.

Long-Term Use. An airport should consider the impacts to the community in the event that they must recapture recreational space to accommodate aeronautical use. It could negatively impact the community’s perception of the airport if a park or recreational use space must be closed.

Operational Maintenance and Management. Once the space is developed and open to the public, regular maintenance and oversight of the space may be necessary. This could include mowing, seasonal snow removal, emptying of trash bins, and reservations for gazebo or picnic area, among other efforts. Airport staff may be responsible for this operational maintenance and management, or nonairport entities such as city parks and recreation departments may

assume this responsibility. If the city parks and recreation department assumes this responsibility, it will reduce demands on airport staff.

Social Responsibility. Dedicating a park or recreation use space on an airport can stimulate community perception that the airport is socially responsible. This may be the most practical and effective method of achieving the social responsibility aspect of the EONS framework. Achieving social goals with the community, while also meeting sustainability goals by preserving green areas and water features, can be a positive result of such efforts.

Wildlife. Parks and recreational use space may create new wildlife hazards that negatively impact airport operations. Although significant green use and water features may be aesthetically pleasing, it is important to consider the degree to which these features may attract wildlife. This is especially true if park visitors leave food behind after picnics. Airports may consider designating areas for food as well as establishing a dedicated cleanup effort for areas where food has been present. Feeding of animals can also be prohibited.

Suggestions for Future Research

The findings indicate that uses of airport land and the resulting community benefits are varied. Although this report provides a synthesis of current practice with specific airport examples, there is more that can be learned about uses of airport land for non-aeronautical purposes that generate community benefits, and guidelines on how to successfully accomplish such uses are needed. Specifically, airport staff would benefit from a guidebook on how to develop alternative uses of airport land that will also generate community benefits, including consideration of FAA and environmental guidelines, requirements, and approvals.

Additionally, airports would benefit from a study that considers community perspectives related to airport activity. This study could present community perception about local airports and ideas on how these airports could become more socially responsible in the eyes of community members. Such a study could present the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed use of airport land for community benefit.