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Kenai Airport Commission discusses Floatplane Basin campground access, fees and outreach
Summary
The Kenai Airport Commission discussed plans for a small campground at the Floatplane Basin intended for visiting floatplane pilots, including access limits, possible public exemptions, parking/fee rules and updates to a QR-code link to airport information.
The Kenai Airport Commission on March 13 discussed plans for a small campground at the Floatplane Basin intended primarily for visiting floatplane pilots.
Commissioners said the site is intended for aeronautical use by floatplanes, not general public camping, though staff noted the commission could pursue a community-purpose exemption if elected to open it more broadly.
Commissioners and staff emphasized limited capacity and access constraints. Staff said the basin currently offers two campground slots intended for floatplane operators and suggested simple administrative measures to allow weekend visitor access, such as issuing temporary access cards by phone. Commissioners raised the access-gate layout near the airport fuel area and noted that vehicles parked on the secure (south) side cannot reenter the gated area from the public side, which complicates non-floatplane access.
Members asked whether Parks and Recreation would take over physical maintenance (picnic tables, benches); staff replied the airport is responsible for the facility. Staff also said the basin’s current published fees appear to cover aircraft parking and that there is not a separate advertised camping fee for pilots using the sites; the two campsite slots are currently first-come, first-served.
Commissioners and staff discussed updating the information QR code posted at the basin. Staff reported the current QR code links to a single photo and that the previous marketing contractor likely created the landing page; the city’s new marketing firm maintains a site called “I Love Kenai” and staff said the commission would work to point the QR code to that site for more useful visitor information.
Discussion also touched on seasonal cleanliness and storm cleanup at nearby Spruce Park, and on examples from other airports that host pilot campgrounds (Fairbanks, Merrill). No formal action was taken; the item remained a staff-discussion with follow-ups recommended on communications and access procedures.
The commission moved to other agenda items after discussion.
