Cullman Regional Airport enters 'growth phase'
May 15—The city of Cullman began preparing for upgrades and expansions to usher in a new phase of operations for the Cullman Regional Airport Monday night.
Airport director Ben Harrison said the airport has been in a "reconstruction and maintenance phase" for the last 10 years which has largely focused on renovating runways, taxiways and hangars. He said — as the city signed off on engineering contracts with Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood to design future hangars and reconstruct the airports existing apron — the area where aircraft's are parked, loaded, refueled and maintained — the next 10 years will be focused on growth.
"It's a really exciting time at the airport right now," Harrison said. "We just finished an airport layout plan and for the next 10 years we should really be advancing in the growth of the airport to keep up with the demand of the aircraft that are trying to come here with the businesses, etc."
Harrison said in addition to the larger apron, there are plans to construct an additional taxiway leading to a undeveloped 19 acre parcel of land to the west where future hangars will be located.
Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Nathan Anderson said several changes will also be coming to the WildWater water park this summer as it opens Memorial Day weekend. Anderson said the addition of several large umbrellas should add roughly 75 more shaded areas where guests can sit and concession stand operations have been streamlined to shorten wait times.
One of the largest changes at the park this season will be the incentives to purchase tickets online rather than at the gate.
"If you purchase your ticket ahead of time it will be cheaper than at the gate. The primary reason for that is that last year there were several times when people showed up and we were at capacity," Anderson said.
Those looking for a simpler way to beat the heat this summer should keep an eye on the splash pad and playground at Heritage Park. Anderson said proceeds from this year's Dinner on 1st fundraiser — scheduled for Saturday — will go to renovating the 25-year-old splash pad and playground.
In other business the council:
— Entered an agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc. to perform Boeings on Graham Street SW.
— Held the first reading to annex property located at 2100 Main Avenue SW as B-2 business district.
— Set a public hearing for June 24 to respond the Elrond property located on 3098 Olive Street from R-1 to B-2 district.
— Heard a request from resident Don Akin to relocate three water meters on his property located at 720 County Road 490.
— Heard a complaint from Dennis McMan about a storm drain located on his property at 1824 Frumholdt Road NW.
