Story ID: 
Sheltair Founder Honored with Aviation Playground
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The Lakeland facility teaches aviation through fun activities
Word Count: 231
Sheltair Aviation and the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) unveiled the "Jerry Holland Destination: Aviation" playground this week in Central Florida. ACE is home to the Florida Aviation Museum and an educational center located at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL)—host to the annual Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo.
The playground is a tribute to Jerry Holland, who founded family-owned Sheltair in 1963 and expanded it into a major private aviation infrastructure developer and FBO operator.
“After building a successful legacy on the heels of hard work and dedication to the aviation community we love so much, this is the first time my family has ever lent their name to anything,” said Sheltair president and CEO Lisa Holland at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Now that my father is 89 years old, my mother and I want to honor his legacy and all that he has achieved in his lifetime.” She added that they hope that the next generation will be inspired not only by the playground and ACE but by the elder Holland’s vision.
The project, funded by Sheltair, the airport, and private donors, includes STEM-focused activities for children up to 12, showing the parts of an airplane, how an engine works, and demonstrating pitch, roll, and yaw concepts. It is free to all Florida Air Museum members and otherwise included in the museum ticket price.