Community Outreach

The Atlantic Aviators are dedicated to making their community a better place, which is why they are currently involved in the proposed construction of a public playground at New Bedford Regional Airport.

Enter For a Chance to Win Celtics Tickets!

Starting in January, Chapter members will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win 2 tickets to the April 11, 2012 game against the Atlanta Hawks. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from a chapter member or by visiting Colonial Air at the New Bedford Regional Airport. All proceeds from this raffle will benefit the Aviation Themed Playground Building Fund. The drawing will be held on March 31st, so enter for your chance to win now! Good Luck to those who enter!

Aviation Themed Playground Progress Report - Fall 2011

This playground will provide a hands-on learning experience to children of all ages and abilities. It will be a unique opportunity to capture their imaginations, while serving as an introduction to the world of aviation. Inspiring children to pursue an education in aviation or a related science, technology, engineering or math field is our ultimate goal. Children must be exposed to such things in order to develop an interest.

We estimate the cost of the completed playground will be $175,000. To date, we have raised over $72,000 from private contributions and are actively seeking grants. In August we were given an exciting opportunity: The Whiting-Truscott Challenge. All new donations made by September 30, 2011 would be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, by these very special donors. We met that challenge and now need your assistance to achieve our ultimate goal.

Please check back soon for more information about upcoming fundraising events. If you would like to donate to this project or learn how you can get involved, please email the chapter at AtlanticAviators@yahoo.com.

Aviation Themed Playground Announcement - Summer 2011

On July 26th, the Atlantic Aviators proudly announced the future home of the Aviation Themed Playground for the New Bedford Regional Airport(KEWB). The playground will be located in the grassy area Southwest of the control tower at New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB), in front of “spectator parking”. All components of the custom designed playground are aviation related. The play surface of the area which measures at 90’ by 30’ will be a poured in place rubber composite material, used to minimize debris on airport movement areas, and maximize handicap accessibility.

The equipment has been designed for children aged 2-12 years old. The play area’s design maximizes the play value for all children, both handicapped and able bodied, with several ground level activity panels and a Sway Fun® Glider.The Sway Fun® is a wheelchair accessible glider with benches large enough to seat 9 people, with additional space for 2 wheelchairs.

Another exciting component of the playground is the custom luggage climber, which consists of 9 stacked pieces of luggage that can be painted to suit each sponsors specifications. The luggage is manufactured from glass fiber reinforced concrete. Great for both climbing and sitting. Airplane climber and spring riders will be positioned on the designated taxiway of Poured-in-Place rubber.

The tower with cloud climber, lookouts and wind sock will guide our pilots! The tower, will also include two slides, one at 6’ high, and another at 8’ high; and various activity panels. Recycled benches will also be available for sponsorship. An attached 2” x 10” zinc etched plaque will be installed and recessed at the time of manufacturering.

The Playground is funded entirely by grants, generous donations and support from the community . The Chapter members that make up the Playground Committee have tirelessly worked on creating a place that, on numerous occasions we have heard adults exclaim that they wished they could play on it! Additional sponsorship is needed for this project to come to fruition. Sponsors to our aviation themed playground will be acknowledged on a custom sign or individual equipment pieces. Corporate sponsors may be able to have their logo printed.

Donations of all sizes will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Atlantic Aviators and send them to:
Playground Fund
c/o Atlantic Aviators
P.O. Box 50902
New Bedford, MA 02740

Playground Fundraiser at the Airport Grille

On Sunday, November 14th from 1-4PM, the Atlantic Aviators hosted an afternoon at the Airport Grille to benefit the Aviation-Themed Playground Building Fund. Over 150 tickets to the event were sold. Airplane rides were offered to all guests in attendance, provided by Cape Air. Guests were taken up in Cessna 402s and brought for a scenic view of New Bedford and the surrounding area.

New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang stopped by to show his support for the group’s efforts. Also in attendance were several members of the New Bedford Regional Airport Commission. Live music entertained guests in “the hangar”, and was provided by Bill Santos. A piece of luggage from the playground’s luggage climber was sold at the event. Door prizes were given to two lucky guests. All in all the event was a great success in order to kick off fundraising for the playground.