BLUE GRASS AIRPORT TO HOST 2ND SUNDAY
ON JUNE 13, 2010
General Public Invited to Free Fitness Event
on Newly Constructed Runway

June 8, 2010 – On June 13, 2010, from 2-5 pm, the general public will be invited onto Blue Grass Airport’s runway for the first time in the airport’s history for a unique opportunity to walk, run, bike, skate and stay active. As part of the 2nd Sunday initiative, this event will provide members of the local community with 4,000 feet of flat, smooth surface to be active with friends, family and neighbors prior to the runway’s opening.

“On the second Sunday of June, Lexington will do something revolutionary. It will open Blue Grass Airport’s runway for what may potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime fitness opportunity,” said Councilmember Jay McChord.
Attendees are invited to bring their bikes, rollerblades, Frisbees and sporting equipment. For those who are seeking a more relaxing afternoon, bring picnic supplies and watch airplanes landing and taking off on the nearby commercial runway. A variety of aircraft and safety vehicles such as helicopters, fire engines, police vehicles and historic airplanes will be on display for families to explore. Participants can also register to win a free trip to Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale, courtesy of AirTran Airways and Blue Grass Airport.

2nd Sunday offers monthly events in Lexington and annual events statewide that encourages all forms of physical activity within the local community and is designed to get Kentuckians moving. Residents can bike, walk, run, plan and participate in fun and healthy activities. Organized by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and community partners, 2nd Sunday sends a compelling message that Kentucky is serious about improving its residents’ health and promoting physical activity.

“We are proud to be the host of a community event that will not only promote health and wellness but also showcases the construction of our new runway,” said Eric Frankl, executive director of Blue Grass Airport. “We are excited about the opportunity to open our operation to the public so they can experience the airport from a new perspective. Most people are never given the chance to walk on a runway or see an airfield environment.”

Plans are underway to formally open the new runway to general aviation traffic this summer. Construction of this $27 million, 4000-foot runway has employed more than 150 people and is one component of more than $60 million worth of airport improvement projects Blue Grass Airport has undertaken this year.

“The Cooperative Extension Service is all about local partnerships, and the June 13th 2nd Sunday event is a fine example of how this initiative is bringing communities together to address common goals, in this case health and physical activity,” said Dr. Scott Smith, Dean of UK College of Agriculture.

The event is free and open to the public. Leashed pets are welcome and pet watering stations will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring food, water, lawn games, sunscreen, chairs and/or a picnic blanket. Portable restrooms will be available on site.

To access the event, convenient parking will be available onsite adjacent to the runway. Vehicles should enter by the airport’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Training Center on Versailles Road, just west of Keeneland Race Course. Signage will be located on Versailles Road and police will be directing traffic to parking locations. Overflow parking will be available off-site if needed and shuttle service will be provided.

Blue Grass Airport’s commercial and general aviation flights will continue as usual throughout the event. There will be no interruption to the flight schedule since airplanes will be taking off on the airport’s primary 7,000-foot runway.

For directions and more information about the event, visit www.bluegrassairport.com or contact the airport Information Center at 859.425.3114.

About Blue Grass Airport
Blue Grass Airport, the Official Airport of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, is served by seven major airlines providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities and connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

# # #