S.C. Completes Funding for Anderson Airport Playground

Greg Wilson/.Anderson Observer

The Anderson Regional Airport will soon be a destination for more than flying, thanks to a $350,000 grant from the state to construct a new aviation-themed playground.

S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell, R-Anderson, and S.C. Rep. Don Chapman, R-Anderson, sponsored the bill to help fund the project, which will also use $160,000 in private funding.

“It’s the perfect public/private partnership,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “It expands one of our top assets and will generate more interest in aviation among children in the area.”

The playground at the Greenville downtown airport has become a destination for families and events, and a similar response is expected in Anderson.

“This will also help remind people what a valuable asset the Anderson Regional Airport is,” said Burns.

With all funding now in place, construction could begin in the fall.

“We are grateful for Senator Gambrell and Representative Chapman’s assistance with this public-private partnership,” said County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn in a news release. “This project will provide additional recreation opportunities for children living in Anderson County, and we expect its relationship with the airport will encourage some of these kids to consider careers in aviation and other STEM-related activities.”