Aviator’s Playground dedicated to avid airman

The blues skies over the Ocala International Airport on Saturday, July 29, seemed to beam down on the tarmac like the brilliant smile of Eddie Martin. 

Martin, who became a licensed pilot and mechanic in his late teens, was an icon throughout the history of aviation in Marion County. He saw biplanes in local skies when the area hosted World War II flight training and served as an assistant airport manager for a time, for example. Martin died Nov. 8, 2020. 

On Saturday, the airport’s new Aviator’s Playground was dedicated to Martin. 

According to the news release, the aviation-themed playground features ropes and ladders intertwined within an airplane-shaped structure. A play gym is set against a blue background to give the feel of floating through the clouds on a plane. Spring riders in the shape of airplanes allow children to use their imagination while bouncing and playing. 

The playground has integrated aviation themes such as a printed compass on the rubber playground surface and aviation history panels lining the fenced area. The area overlooks the airport apron, allowing guests to watch incoming and outgoing planes.