Kids can ‘take flight’ in Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new play area

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By Tara Herndandez

 

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

Kids traveling through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) have a fun new space to play, complete with a replica helicopter and air traffic control tower, thanks to a partnership with Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

The new space officially opened today after a celebratory ribbon cutting, and includes new foam tile flooring, scenic graphics on the wall, a propeller ceiling fan, an illuminated air traffic control tower, toys, and even a replica Spectrum Health AeroMed helicopter where kids can get behind the controls and experience life as a pilot.

 

The official ribbon cutting in the new pre-security Kids Play Area at GFIA.

“As a father of seven children, I can tell you nothing is more important than having an exciting, vibrant space where kids can unleash some energy while they are traveling,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are thrilled to see how this space turned out. The team at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital did an incredible job of turning our vision into a reality, and we appreciate their support and partnership.”

 

GFIA and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital are also currently designing and constructing another Kids Play Area post-security.

 

“Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is pleased to be able to sponsor the new Kids’ Port play area at Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said Dr. Matthew Denenberg, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “The children’s hospital is happy to play a part in welcoming visitors to West Michigan with this fun new addition for families and children to enjoy.”

 

The Kids Play Areas are one part of the Airport’s $45 million Gateway Transformation Project that also includes new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, new restrooms & nursing rooms, family restrooms, pre and post security business centers, new retail and food & beverage space, and much more. Different portions of the construction will open throughout the summer with phase one set to be complete in late August. Construction on the Gateway Transformation Project began in December 2015.

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