Page 20 - LIN_April_2026_web-file

More Than Just a Stop on the

Gordon River Greenway

Naples Airport’s environmental initiatives run deep

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director,
Naples Airport Authority

he Gordon River Back in 2014, Naples Airport completed a
Greenway Park is a 140- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, which
T acre ecological corridor included a pilot program funded by the FAA and
that travels through the heart of Florida Department of Transportation that used
Naples. The 2.5-mile, meandering trail is manmade lakes to filter runoff from airport property as well as
designed for passive recreational activities, nearby industrial areas. This new system meant only filtered water
like walking, biking, rollerblading, fishing or was sent onto Rock Creek, the Gordon River and Naples Bay
snacking under picnic shelters. rather than contaminant-filled runoff that previously flowed into
While it’s a great place for light-to-moderate exercise, the waterways.
Greenway also offers a spectacular venue for wildlife spotting. Other successful environmental initiatives at Naples Airport
Users often catch glimpses of alligators, bobcats, otters, herons, include:
egrets, anhingas, woodpeckers, ibis and even bald eagles. Comprehensive Wildlife Management Program: reduces the
The Greenway provides a getaway from the hustle and risks of wildlife interactions with aircraft
bustle of Naples, a much-needed reprieve from the sounds of Transformative Fuel Initiative: promotes cleaner, efficient
a thriving city – cars honking, hammers pounding and music aviation practices by offering alternative fuel options
blaring. Essentially, it leads users down a path telling a story Fleet Electrification: transitions ground fleet from gas and
about the way Naples used to be... untouched, natural and diesel to electric vehicles.
breathtaking. On Earth Day, millions of Americans will do their part to
The fact that a section of the Greenway wraps around the help our environment, from picking up trash along roads and
northwestern edge of Naples Airport might be surprising to waterways to planting trees and upcycling products. That’s just
some. It’s not for our team, though. Environmental initiatives one day, though. By incorporating sustainability into our everyday
run deep at Naples Airport, a pillar of the community since it lives, every day can be Earth Day.
opened in 1943 as a military airfield. About the Author
Naples Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners funded Chris Rozansky, C.M., is executive director of the Naples Airport
an extension of sorts that connects the Greenway’s official Authority.
terminus point near Collier Mosquito Control District to two For more information about Naples Airport, please visit
additional endpoints – Naples Airport’s Observation Deck and FlyNaples.com.
the City of Naples’ Baker Park. Additionally, the airport board Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
also authorized the removal of exotic vegetation, the restoration Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq
of pathways and the rejuvenation of a pond near North Road. For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s
As the nation prepares to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, next meeting, call (239) 643-0733
the Greenway project remains a shining example of Naples For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website
Airport’s commitment to the environment. Before sustainability at www.flynaples.com
became a buzzword, Naples Airport adopted a comprehensive
Sustainability, Conservation and Social Responsibility Plan.
The last portion of the plan’s name is especially noteworthy.
Implementing initiatives to preserve and protect the
environment are not just action items on a board meeting
agenda, they are our responsibility.

20 www.LifeInNaples.net