Airports Transformed: From Runways to Relaxation
Abandoned airports around the world are finding new life as public parks, offering vast recreational spaces within urban environments. These transformations not only utilize large tracts of land but also provide city dwellers with much-needed green areas. Here are five notable examples of former airports that have been repurposed into beautiful parks.
Berlin Tempelhof Airport in Germany, once one of Berlin's oldest airports, has been converted into one of the largest inner-city parks worldwide. The airport ceased operations in 2008, and the sprawling site now serves as a vast recreational area in the center of Berlin, surpassing even Central Park in size. The transformation of Tempelhof has provided Berlin with its largest park, catering to a variety of outdoor activities for residents and tourists alike.
In New York City, Floyd Bennett Field offers extensive recreational opportunities in Jamaica Bay. Originally the city's first municipal airport, it later served as a naval air station during WWII. Today, it is managed by the National Park Service and includes over 1,300 acres of diverse landscapes such as salt marshes and tidal mudflats. The park supports activities like archery, ice skating, and biking, and even retains a runway for hobbyists and a helicopter base for the NYPD.
Mexico City's Texcoco Airport, an unusual case, was partially built but then abandoned before completion. The project, initiated in 2014, was canceled in 2018 due to a change in government and a referendum. The site is now being developed into the Lake Texcoco Ecological Park, a 29,500-acre area focused on public space and ecological restoration, preserving the legacy of the ancient Lake Texcoco.
Ellinikon International Airport in Athens, Greece, served the city for over 60 years before closing in 2001. The site is now being developed into the Hellenikon Metropolitan Park, a project that combines new urban developments with green spaces. This transformation includes a large lake, millions of plants, luxury homes, and more, creating a green oasis amidst the densely populated city.
Lastly, the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California has been repurposed into the Orange County Great Park. The former airbase, decommissioned in 1999, now offers over 500 acres of park space with additional areas under development. The park emphasizes sports, arts, and agriculture, becoming a key recreational destination in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
These examples showcase the innovative reuse of former airport sites, turning them into valuable urban green spaces that enhance city life and provide a range of recreational activities for the public.