Airpark

Hilliard Airpark

Hilliard Airpark had its beginning in 1969 when Nassau County deeded 22 acres to the Town of Hilliard.  The site was located approximately one mile east of Hilliard.   

Subsequently, an additional eight acres of land was acquired through the eminent domain process in order to provide for a usable 2,000 feet of turf runway. 

For many years, the Airpark provided a place for local and transient aviators to enjoy their sport until the early 1990s, when the Airpark was closed due to a tree growth on each runway end.  At that time, tree clearing was not possible because the adjacent property owner did not willingly want to provide an easement to maintain the airpark’s 20:1 approach. 

Then in 1995, the Town of Hilliard began the process of reviving the facility, working once again with the State and adjacent property owners to clear the trees and prepare the facility for State inspection and certification.    The Town’s efforts were met with success, and the undertaking cost the Town of Hilliard and the Florida Department of Transportation over $180,000 during the five-year period.  

Through persistence and a great deal of hard work by community leaders and the State, the Airpark was certified and re-opened in 2000 with a 3,365-foot turf runway. 
 
The Hilliard Airpark is one of the last remaining public grass landing strips in Florida.  The Airpark serves many local and distant pilots, and is also home to the Town's annual 4th of July fire works display.