Lynn Cole RC Field
By Jim Hayes
Losing Our Fields
Many Americans have a tendency to take things for granted, and Radio Control (RC) fliers are no different. Flying sites are an RC club's most important asset, and the most often overlooked.
Since I am relatively new to the hobby, imagine my shock when my club, the Tiffin Aeromodelers, lost two fields. Without warning, the first flying site was plowed by a farmer.
The second flying site was in a new industrial park, leased to the club by the city of Tiffin, Ohio. We had no worries there—no baseball diamonds, no kids' soccer fields—we felt like we were in heaven! Work proceeded to level the field, plant grass seed, cut weeds, and put in a picnic table and frequency board. Flying was great for big airplanes and little airplanes; the club had plenty of room.
A factory decided to build in the park, but we didn't worry because it was building across the road. Then a second factory decided to build in the park, but we didn't worry because it was building alongside factory #1.
Then it happened. Shock, dismay, betrayal, and many other bad feelings hit the club; factory #3 took an option on the flying field site! Factory #3 built its first building, and the club had to rearrange the runway, safety fences, etc. As president of the club, I felt that something had to be done right away.
Finding a New Site
I called the city fathers and was told that nothing was available, but in the future the city and county were planning on a joint industrial park. Oh boy—not again!
I called farmers, business people, and just about everybody in the telephone book for help. Then I remembered a story in Model Aviation about a flying site that was formerly a landfill.
I checked into the local vacated landfill. It was fenced in and tiered! Then I learned that the people who bought the landfill site bought the adjacent property for fill dirt. Could it be possible to convert this location into a flying site? Maybe!
I called Waste Management of Ohio and was referred to Waste Management of Livonia, Michigan. Eventually I talked with Jim Forney; I explained what the club's desires were, and Jim agreed to meet a small delegation at the proposed site.
The site didn't look like much, but as visionaries we saw the potential. There was a great deal of weeds, mud, and two beautiful small lakes. Blood pressure increased, anxiety increased, and our best manners came forward; Jim agreed to talk to Waste Management officials.
The club sent a proposed lease outlining our commitment and AMA's insurance program, then the big wait came.
Negotiations and Development
After about six months with no word, I talked to Jim Forney's secretary, Jocelyn, and was told that the matter was in the lawyers' hands. More waiting!
Another six months and many telephone calls later, Jim stated that things looked good. Finally, in February 1998 we received a letter from Jim and Waste Management giving us permission to use the field.
Work was started in April 1998: mowing weeds, planting grass seed, cutting brush, putting in drainage tiles, etc. The Tiffin Aeromodelers joined with an IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) club, the Northern Ohio Balsa Scalers, and really went to town on the field.
The site was named the Lynn Cole RC Field, after a longtime AMA flier who passed away in 1994.
Opening and Future Work
On July 25, 1998 we had our open house for the new field. Wow! What a turnout! There were Giant Scale models, regular Scale models, and even floatplanes; people from across Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan offered nothing but compliments, and three hobby stores were in attendance.
Many ideas and suggestions were generated from this get-together. My club realizes that there is much more work to do, and we are addressing those needs.
Acknowledgments
Right now we are thanking the Lord for faith, hope, and perseverance, and Jim Forney and Jocelyn from Waste Management for all of their help in making dreams come true. Thanks to all.
Jim Hayes 325 Jackson St. Tiffin, OH 44883
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
