Linden Airport mini-park

Have you ever wondered what secrets lie hidden beneath the roar of jets taking off? Here at the Linden Airport mini-park, a fascinating history unfolds. The Linden Airport isn’t just a place for planes. It’s a time capsule, echoing with the ghosts of wartime production and daring air races. The story of Linden Airport began not with commercial flights, but with the urgency of World War II. In 1942, as the war raged, the need for aircraft was dire. General Motors transformed its Linden Assembly plant, just across the street, into a hub for military aircraft production. The Linden Airport, hastily constructed in a mere six months, became the testing ground for these vital war machines. Imagine the newly built FM-1 and FM-2 Wildcat fighters, fresh from the assembly line, being transported through a tunnel under the street to the airport. Test pilots would then take to the skies, putting the planes through their paces before they were shipped off to the front lines. After the war, this vital piece of history was handed over to the city of Linden. The airport continued to evolve. In 1998, the old airport, with its intersecting runways and large hangar, was partially dismantled to make way for the Aviation Plaza shopping center. A new, modernized airport rose on the south side, while the original east-west runway remained as a link to the past. Today, Linden Airport holds a unique distinction. It’s the only non-towered airport in the bustling New York City metro area. Its convenient location and relatively light air traffic make it a popular base for news helicopters and sightseeing tours. The skies above this park hum with the constant activity of choppers capturing the city’s vibrant pulse. But Linden Airport’s history isn’t limited to military aircraft and news helicopters. In 1954, the roar of airplane engines was replaced by the thunder of stock cars. The airport was transformed into a temporary race track for a NASCAR Grand National race. Picture the scene: 43 cars vying for the lead on a two-mile course, with speeds reaching over 80 miles per hour. Al Keller emerged victorious in this unusual race, etching his name into Linden Airport’s diverse history. So, the next time you hear a plane overhead, remember the echoes of the past that resonate here at the Linden Airport mini-park. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of a community, a place where the history of wartime production, thrilling races, and modern aviation intertwine.