Grider Field has already experienced a terminal renovation and extension, and that’s part of the reason the Pine Bluff Aviation Commission thinks an additional facelift involving new art and furnishings is a wise concept.
The commission decided in a Thursday meeting to give airport manager Doug Hale a go-ahead on allotting an estimated $9,000 – before taxes – on purchases of new lobby furniture, a break room table and chairs, office furniture for Hale, quiet room recliners, entrance mats and waste receptacles.
“Although we don’t have money in our project budget for these items, we do have enough money in our general funds to cover the expenses,” Hale told commissioners.
Although Hale thinks the facility could “make do” with its existing furnishings, he doesn’t believe “it would be well-received to reuse our ‘vintage’ furniture in public areas.”
Hale said he has evaluated the new office and lobby areas created by the terminal enhancements.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The lobby needs a comfortable and attractive sitting arrangement for our guests,” he said.
Hale suggested that existing furnishings in the pilot lounge, general and bookkeeper’s offices and conference room “be retained, cleaned and reused.”
Commission Chairman Ken Johnson and director Leon Scallion pointed out that the airport has a vital role in making a positive impression on “people of commerce” who arrive there with interests that could benefit Pine Bluff and other Southeast Arkansas residents. Johnson stressed, too, that new aviation-themed art might also serve to give visitors an even more favorable outlook on the region and the airport itself. Hale said some artwork is in storage and he would look at acquiring more.
Johnson noted that the terminal improvements, which are ongoing, were enabled by grant monies that would probably be unavailable today.
“We would have missed the grants if we hadn’t previously apply,” he said.
The grants were 80-20 matching agreements received through the city, which provided the lesser amounts.
The commission tentatively scheduled a terminal rededication for Friday, Oct.5. The event would coincide with a Saturday, Oct. 6, Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in, said Grants Administrator Rickey Works.
Hale said the EAA show would feature aircraft from throughout the nation and also include a classic car exhibit. Johnson interjected that the national Black Pilots Association will be returning to Grider Field for a 17th consecutive year in 2013.
The Grider Field Museum’s future was also discussed. Hale said he’s applying to have a World War II-era barracks building placed on the National Register of Historic Places, which would give it protected status. Hale said the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum and White Hall Museum have indicated they have items that they might loan or donate to the airport museum. Commissioners are hopeful that the museum will help in increasing local tourism.
The commission also gave unanimous approval to a 51-month lease agreement with Ronnie Reynolds, doing business as Reynolds Construction Co., on the former National Guard Building on airport grounds. The agreement, should it be accepted by Reynolds, calls for respective monthly rental and facility improvement fees of $1,000 and $500 from Sept. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2o17.