OLYMPIC FIELD TO BE IMPROVED WITH ANOTHER RAF GRANT

Washington State RAF Liaison Ray Ballantyne has secured another RAF grant, this one to help provide materials for a multi-purpose kiosk at Olympic Airfield between Port Townsend and Sequim, WA. RAF Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson aided by RAF Supporter Jay PerryCook, developed a prototype and budget for the kiosk, where visitors will be able to charge their devices, and view RAF information and general notices, protected from the weather. The design can be used for other locations, and RAF Supporter Sherry Sherod is helping fund this and other airfield kiosks in memory of her husband, William Neal Sherod, an experienced bush pilot.

Johnson has volunteered to assemble the materials and transport them to the site. PerryCook will supply his hydraulic drill. The local EAA Chapter 430 is providing volunteers for the project. Property owners and supporters Ryan and Marianne Larrance will assist, and provide an excavator, and lunch. The project should be complete in April 2025.

In August of 2024, an RAF grant was awarded to Olympic Field to construct an off-the-grid bathhouse, which was accomplished by the same volunteers who will install the kiosk. The Larrances graciously provide the water source.  

Olympic Airfield lies in the “Lavender Capital of North America,” and has a good turf 2,500-ft long runway, and equally long stretch of water for aircraft on floats. Ballantyne says it offers a secluded place to camp, close to Olympic National Park. “If biking, running, or hiking are your interests, the 126-mile Olympic Discovery Trail follows the Old Seattle & North Coast Railroad grade and can be accessed down the hill from Olympic Field’s campground,” he said.

For more information and permission contact details, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted February 12, 2025
By Carmine Mowbray