LAKELAND, Florida — Sheltair Aviation and the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) on the SUN ‘n FUN campus celebrated the grand opening of the Jerry Holland Destination: Aviation Playground on the grounds of Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) June 10, 2024.
The playground is a tribute to Jerry Holland, who founded Sheltair Aviation Services in 1963.
“After building a successful legacy on the heels of hard work and dedication to the aviation community we love so much, this is the first time my family has ever lent their name to anything,” said Lisa Holland, president and CEO of Sheltair and daughter of Jerry Holland. “Now that my father is 89 years old, my mother and I want to honor his legacy and all that he has achieved in his lifetime. It’s fitting that the legacy lives on in this project and our hope is that the next generation will be inspired not only by the playground and ACE but by my father’s vision.”
Construction of the playground began in April of 2024, made possible by funding from Sheltair Aviation Services, Lakeland International Airport, and private donors, according to ACE officials.
The playground includes shaded swings, a shuttle spring rider, a jet spring rider, and an atom spinner.
The STEM activities incorporated into the main play structure allow kids from 2 to 12 years of age to learn the parts of an airplane, see how an engine works, and explore the concepts of roll, pitch, and yaw, according to ACE officials.
The playground is free to all Florida Air Museum members. Non-members can enjoy the playground with a museum admission ticket.
For more information: ACEedu.org, SheltairAviation.com