Point Roberts Airpark changes hands

Point Roberts Airpark is now under new ownership and local management.

In December 2018, Jason Taylor, who has lifelong roots in Point Roberts, purchased the property with the intention of continuing its use as a private airfield.

Local resident Bob Granley will be the new airport manager. Bob has been a Point Roberts resident for 25 years and has had a plane at the airfield since moving here. In the 1990s, Granley was part of the group of volunteers who helped former owner Robin Lamb rebuild the then-degraded facility.

A general aviation pilot in this area for over 40 years, Granley said, “I am looking forward to working with the new owner on our aligned interests. We will work on a few basic changes and enhancements over the coming months as well as work with with San Juan Air and the current pilots that use the strip.”

Granley said they will be working to establish sustainable practices for the growing commercial use of the airport, such as an honor system drop box so San Juan Air passengers have a way to pay for parking when they catch a flight.

“This is private property and we ask that you respect the access granted to use the area,” Granley said. “It takes many hours to keep this airport viable and safe. We can’t continue to do this on a commercial basis for free. When we first rebuilt the strip, it was just for our use. We didn’t mind the hours we put in to fly occasionally,” he said.

“It has really changed over the years where there is much more commercial activity and we have volunteered countless hours over the years trying to keep it safe so the community can use it,” he added.