PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale continues its “Season of Service” program with a “Pre-Summer Flight Check” this Saturday at the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.
“We’re looking for volunteers to help us put the finishing touches on the work that’s been going on at the Airpark since the end of February,” said Community Programs Supervisor Trish Jones. “It’s a great opportunity to work side by side with friends and neighbors among real-life examples of our rich aviation history.”
The service project takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 15 at the Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42, located at 2001 East Avenue P in Palmdale.
Volunteers must be 12 or older to participate. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must complete a “release of liability” (available at www.cityofpalmdale.org or at event registration).
Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, be prepared to walk over uneven terrain, and use work gloves and sun protection. Water will be provided. Verification of service hours is available.
The Airpark has been closed for renovations since Feb. 24 and is scheduled to reopen Thursday, March 20. New curbs along the various paths throughout the park are currently being installed, thanks in part to a donation of more than $104,000 by the Warnack Foundation.
“Through the thoughtful gift by A.C. and Shaughne Warnack, we are able to install new curbs and walkways, do some nice landscaping, build two shade structures and install new fencing and block walls where needed,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “We’re very appreciative of their commitment to our community.”
“The Joe Davies Airpark is an Antelope Valley treasure,” said Shaughne Warnack. “We are honored to be able to assist with the renovations and we’re hopeful that it will encourage others to explore opportunities to contribute towards making our community even better.”
“My mom, who is now 89 and living in Burbank, worked in both Palmdale and Burbank Lockheed Skunk Works for 36-plus years on projects such as the SR71 and TR1 so aircraft were always close to our family’s hearts,” Shaughne said.
“I have known Joe Davies for many decades, and I’ve always had great respect for him, especially his contributions to the community,” said A.C. Warnack. “Joe always contributed more than his share to the community—first serving the country in the United States Air Force, then as Commander of Plant 42, and then on the Palmdale City Council as a councilmember. He always went above and beyond what was needed to serve his community. Both he and his wife Audi are wonderful community members with positive influence on the entire Antelope Valley community. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Joe Davies to have the Palmdale Heritage Airpark named after.”
Palmdale’s “Season of Service” is designed to offer service projects for residents to join, and includes a monthly service day as well as information for residents to develop their own projects. It is presented in continual recognition and celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Other projects will include:
Global Youth Service Day on April 19
Youth, families and the young at heart are invited to participate in a park beautification at one of Palmdale’s most beloved parks.
Location: Marie Kerr Park, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93551
Mormon Helping Hands Day on April 26
Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, join residents in a makeover of this neighborhood jewel.
Location: Desert Sands Park, 39117 3rd Street East, Palmdale
For more information on Palmdale’s Season of Service program, call 661-267-5181.
–