Dear Clay County Flyers,
Last week, President Jim and Vice-President Dale met with the Clay County Parks and Recreation Dept Director to discuss the possibility of a county funded asphalt runway for our club. Regrettably, the County is under significant fiscal pressure resulting in a big budget cut for Parks and Rec. As a result, the department is unable to fund our runway for the foreseeable future.
Given the current state of the runway, the board has voted to proceed with an alternate runway solution. The plan includes covering the existing cloth runway with 3” of asphalt millings. Once the millings have been spread, leveled, and compacted, we will overcoat the runway with asphalt sealer. Although the resulting surface will not be as smooth as asphalt, it will be better than what we have now, will be easy to maintain and will not be subject to erosion. This will also form an excellent base for any possible future asphalt runway. We are still gathering quotes but estimate that this project will cost $18k-$20k. There is a chance it will cost less if the county can help with excavation and/or lower cost materials.
The board proposes to fund this project three ways. First, we have been frugal over the last two years and consequently we have saved approximately $7k that can safely be used for a new runway. Secondly, we are going to ask the membership to pay their 2026 dues early, which should generate in excess of $5k. Finally, we will be asking the membership to make donations to make up the shortage.
So, what can YOU do to help?
If you have any ideas/suggestions for this project, please contact any board member.
President Jim will be spearheading the planning side of the project getting quotes and approvals etc. If you would like to help with that effort, please contact him directly.
Please consider paying your 2026 dues early (but not quite yet). We will announce when we are in a position to start accepting 2026 dues.
If you are in the financial position to make a donation towards the runway, please contact Secretary Mark to make a pledge. Any donation of $500 will include paid dues for 2026 and a $1000 donation will include paid dues for 2026 and 2027.
And of course, we will be looking for willing hands to help with physical labor when the time comes.
As we move forward, just a couple of quick reminders regarding club communications. First, per the club bylaws, “the President will serve as the primary club contact when dealing with the AMA, Clay County Board Members, and other clubs or organizations.” Please do not talk to any outside entities regarding any club business without first coordinating it with Jim. Secondly, please remember that our Facebook group is not a reliable source of communication for the club because less than one third of our members are active there. All official communications will come via email from one of the club officers. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding any subject, please contact any board member directly.
To contact us please use form https://clayflyers.org/CCF0423/contact-us/.
