Improvements at two Connecticut airfields, Goodspeed Airport (42B) near East Haddam, and Waterbury Airport (N41) near Plymouth have been funded by grants from the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).
RAF Connecticut Liaison Brian Thomas, who applied for the grants, has already lined up volunteers to do the work at Goodspeed, according to RAF officials. The grant will be used to purchase materials for four 10-foot by 10-foot tent platforms to establish a camping area.
Additional improvements include the installation of several RAF-branded fire rings on a base of crushed stone and park-style barbecue grills.
Thomas noted he also plans to erect a wooden kiosk to display camping information, as well as information on RAF and its contributions to Connecticut recreational aviation. He is using Mini Kiosk kits made from locally sourced and naturally rot-resistant New England wood.
“This is phase one of a larger project,” Thomas said. “Additional items for later consideration include a pavilion, bathroom, and other amenities at Goodspeed.”
At Waterbury, Thomas continues making improvements with the new RAF grant.
“With acres of flat ground just off the main runway dotted with shade trees, Waterbury is an ideal place to camp and escape the hustle and bustle,” he said. “We are well on our way with the 2022 addition of tent platforms completed with funds raised from local pilots, and a 2023 RAF grant, which provided funds to install an outhouse, fire pit, and newly constructed picnic tables.”
In 2024, Thomas was looking for an efficient way to relieve the airfield owners’ burden of weed whacking and mowing, the most difficult part of the airfield upkeep.
He found a used commercial grade riding lawn mower “that had been maintained in an impeccable condition with less than 300 hours on it,” for well below market value.
Using the grant to buy the mower, along with weed whacking tools, Thomas has recruited RAF volunteers to assist with weekly mowing and weed whacking during the spring, summer, and fall camping season, RAF officials said.
The grant also included the cost of an informational kiosk for volunteers to assemble and install at Waterbury, as well.
For information on each of these airfields, check out the RAF’s Airfield Guide.
It is wonderful to see all the volunteers who have stepped up to preserve, protect, promote, and build recreational airstrips and recreational facilities at backcountry and rural locations. The RAF has become a real powerhouse for preservation of recreational access by aviation since its founding in the early 2000’s, thanks to the great volunteers who make it happen.
May thanks to these two crews of fantastic volunteers!
Cheers,
Rol Murrow, RAF Director Emeritus, NM99