Continuing what is expected to become an annual tradition, NBAA once again partnered with the nonprofit organization KaBOOM to build an aviation-theme playground for local kids. On Saturday, more than 250 NBAA members and community residents volunteered their services to construct the playground at the Hollowbrook Apartments near Orlando Executive Airport, the site of this year’s NBAA static display.

Last year, in honor of NBAA’s 60th anniversary, NBAA first worked with KaBOOM–whose mission is to put a playground within walking distance of every child in America–at an elementary school in Atlanta near Fulton County Airport. In both cases, outdated playground equipment was removed and the site was prepared beforehand. Play equipment delivered to the site was assembled and installed by the NBAA volunteers in an effort to build a bridge between business airports and the communities that surround them.

The apartment complex–identified by KaBOOM as a worthy recipient–is home to more than 200 children needing a safe place to play. The playground will feature child favorites such as slides, rock-climbing walls, crawling tubes and several activity panels.

The construction event was sponsored by association members such as Dassault Falcon and BBA/Signature/ASIG, along with NBAA service provider AEM International. Companies including BJ’s, Chik-Fil-A and Crystal Springs supplied food and beverages along with local firms such as Napoleon’s Pizza and Johnson’s Diner. Other companies–including Garsite, JBT Aerotech, TUG Technologies, Seline Company, Sam Hart/Clear Channel Airports and TKDA-ECMC/Kinley Construction Group–pitched in as well.

Major area attractions such as Disney, Universal Orlando and Seaworld also offered prizes to the participants.