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Entertainment venue takes flight at Galt Airport Submitted: July 20, 2005 9:34 PM CT At Galt Airport on Greenwood Road, the sound of small planes taking off and landing seems to blend into the natural environment. However, in a few weeks, a new sound will be added to the mix, one that founder Arthur Galt may never have imagined: music. When Galt founded the airport in 1950, he used his farm field as a landing strip. Like all things, the airport has grown through the years. It now houses 125 airplanes that "call this airport 'home,'" said current co-owner Michael Stanard. The airport occupies 173 acres and includes two runways – one paved and one grass. It is used mostly by recreational pilots who, for the most part, fly small, single-engine aircraft. Revitalizing the airport Ever since Stanard purchased the airport with his friend Ivan Djurin in 1998, one of his main goals has been to restore the airport's vitality. After clearing away excess amounts of debris that had accumulated over the years, new hangars were built for the aircraft, and a popular summer event, Flyers and Tires, was born. The two-day air and car show has now become an annual tradition. However, Stanard recently decided to try something completely different to further revitalize the property. In addition to his work with aircraft and his graphic design business, One Zero Charlie, he also holds an interest in the music business. Pairing that interest with his dedication to the local community of Greenwood, Stanard has created a new entertainment venue on his property to serve the local and surrounding areas. Creating the venue Putting his design skills to use, Stanard began his preliminary planning in February. His vision was to create a unique venue in a rural setting. Stanard then worked with architect Clovis Menenes to design and perfect the stage for the performances. Built into a natural amphitheater on the property's eastern four acres, the stage will abut the west end of the 3,000-foot paved runway. The stage measures 30 feet by 50 feet and is covered by a tin roof designed to resemble a rural farm roof. Three large speakers are set to evenly distribute the sound across the wide lawn. Although Stanard will provide about 300 chairs for seating in front of the stage, the natural slope of the property is ideal for lawn seating, similar to the configuration used at the popular outdoor music venue Ravinia. Stanard believes the venue can hold about 15,000 people, and he plans to close the entertainment area in with perimeter fences. The airport will be closed to pilots during the events so that the runways can be used for parking. The existing tennis courts on the property, long ago built by Galt, will serve as the location for a food tent and beer garden. Portable toilets will be the available bathroom facilities. Stanard has covered all the bases of the different aspects needed to open the venue. He is adequately insured, will provide professional event security and has worked with Greenwood Village President Kathy Rode to secure the proper permits. Bringing in the community The drive behind Stanard's creation has been the community. "There isn't a lot to do out here," he said. "This is good for the village of Greenwood as well as the airport." Advertising through a variety of print and radio sources, both in Illinois and Wisconsin, he hopes to draw a large, diverse crowd. However, Stanard underscored the safety of his venue. "I want everything out here to be something families can come to," he said. This summer, he has three events set up for the community and hopes to hold a fourth. The first will be Hard Landing, a music festival, Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30. Flyers and Tires will follow, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14, and Viva Latino, a Latino festival, will take place Saturday, Sept. 17. Stanard has considered the effects that such events may have on his neighbors. "The music is going to be loud, and within a quarter-mile radius, there are four other homes," he said. Stanard has already spoken to the homeowners and come to an understanding. After taking the time and money to design the venue, secure his permits and create the events, Stanard laughed and said, "I sure hope this works. It's a big commitment." However, he is positive about the community's interest and needs. "The money that comes from this is going right back into the airport," he noted. "This is absolutely a labor of love ... I want the airport to be a good place for the community." |
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