Model aircraft club grounded

AKRON (AP) — Members of a model aircraft club have been told they can no longer fly planes on the site they had considered home for 38 years.

The land, which had been part of the Summit County Fairgrounds, was recently transferred to Summit County Metro Parks, whose rules don’t allow the use of remote-controlled toys.

Metro Parks Director Keith Shy said the 4 million people who visit Summit County parks each year expect peace and natural beauty.

Members of the Corsair Model Aircraft Club fly their remote-controlled planes and helicopters on the fairgrounds property and over a portion of the undeveloped property nearby — a mix of ponds, woods, marsh, shrubs and meadow.

The group’s 261 members must start looking for a new location for flying activities starting next year.

They question why they can’t stay when others around the state have forged relationships with parks and public agencies. For example, the Loveland Propbusters fly at East Fork State Park near Cincinnati. The Deer Creek Model Airs use Deer Creek State Park near Columbus. The Flying Aeroes use the Trumbull County Fairgrounds in Warren. And the North Coast Liners Club fly at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea.

“Clubs across the country coexist with parks,” Corsair trustee John Ashley said. “Parks are our friends.”

Ashley and other members will make a presentation to the county council asking for support. Councilman John Schmidt already has proposed a resolution asking the parks board to allow the club to remain.