I have a vision for the Santa Monica Airport that I believe would celebrate its heritage, provide an educational resource, serve as an inspiration to the city's children, bring high-paying jobs to the city, facilitate 21st century aerospace innovations and enhance property values.

My vision for the future of the Santa Monica Airport consists of:

·  shorter runway (possibly grass instead of paved) providing sufficient runway safety areas on both ends

·  a world-class museum and archival institution celebrating Donald Douglas

·  a beautiful, aerospace-themed park for children and neighbors to enjoy

·  an aerospace technology park, bringing together the talents of the huge aerospace defense contractors in the El Segundo area with the aerospace entrepreneurs of the Mojave desert to develop truly revolutionary aerospace innovations

·  educational opportunities for children and possibly an "Aviation High School," Samohi satellite campus or magnet school

·  residential "hangar homes" or "fly-in community" to help draw together the airport and surrounding residential community

·  flight school(s) with light aircraft

·  nostalgic, "retro" look to the community and structures, reminiscent of the Douglas heyday

·  other community resources, such as Angel Flight

As members of this community, let's do our part to enhance our city and be remembered as the aerospace pioneers of not only the 20th century, but also the 21st.

By Ben Marcus