Originally published in 1995
Winston Field Has A New Look! A project which organizers say will work in concert with economic development efforts in Scurry County is near completion. The airport terminal building at Winston Field, which has seen only limited use since the mid-1970’s, has been renovated and now serves as the greeting point for pilots who fly in.
“About 50 percent of the prospects we get come in by air. This goes hand in hand with the new industrial park. It’s not an isolated project,” said Doug Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Development Corporation of Snyder. The Development Corporation of Snyder anticipates a cost of $1.5 million for the development of the industrial park infrastructure.
“The runway is good and takes jet traffic with no problem. We’ve had several pilots come in on jets and compliment the condition of the runways,” he said.
An effort to bring Winston Field into harmony with Snyder’s economic development began more than a year ago. New rules and regulations have been instituted, and a manager has been hired. Work is expected in the near future on the large hangar, and the airport contains a 64- acre tract of land suitable for development,” Hutchinson said.
Renovation of the terminal building – built in 1951-was a joint effort of the Board of County Development (BCD) and Scurry County and got underway in February. The county sheriff’s office inmate work program provided labor under the direction of Deputy Bobby Goodwin. Inmate help from the Price Daniel Unit was also utilized. The BCD provided most of the funding. Over $36,000 has been spent on the project to date.
Some local businesses and the pilot’s association have donated items such as window blinds and furniture recovering.
Hutchinson said cost has averaged $9.15 a square foot. A new terminal would have cost $75 a square foot, he said.
The terminal building was renovated with efficiency in mind, said Commissioner G.D. Gray, Jr. A new roof was added and insulation was put in throughout. The new air conditioner and heater are energy efficient. Ceiling fans and storm windows help keep energy costs down also.
New wiring, plumbing, floor coverings and a complete paint job enhance the building.
The building features a lobby, several rooms for offices, a group meeting area and a kitchen. Some items are still needed, such as appliances for the kitchen and a large table and chairs for the meeting room. Project organizers are looking for donations to add those items. Organizers are also looking for aviation-related artwork to display in the building.