We had a nice inquiry from a French journalist. Good questions! Here is my reply.
Thank you for your interest in Spruce Creek. We are always happy to provide any information we can. I have replied to your questions individually below.
Q: When was your village created and why?
The runway was part of a practice field built during World War II. No aircraft or personnel were ever based here. Construction on the community began in the mid seventies.
Spruce Creek, as a residential airpark, was conceived in the late sixties. Five businessmen purchased the unwanted outlying military airfield in the late 60’s. Originally it was to be a real estate investment but later they investigated the idea of developing the neglected and obsolete airfield into an airpark.
Q: How many people do you have in your village? [Love this! We really are a “village” here in Spruce Creek]
There are 1500 lots – most are houses, some are commercial businesses. About half the residents live here year round. Others are “snowbirds” – people in Florida for the winter with summer homes in the northern U.S. Although estimates vary, there are approximately 700+ aircraft in hangars and tie-downs within Spruce Creek accessible by paved taxiways throughout the community. The runway is paved, lighted and 4000 ft x 150 ft.
Q: What is the profile of these people?
Residents include pilots – general aviation, commercial, military and aircraft owners and builders. Many people are golfers and play the Spruce Creek Country Club course. There are excellent public schools which attract young families. The central Florida climate is ideal for those escaping winters up north. There are plenty of seasonal and year-round outdoor activities, sports, and entertainment. There are theme parks, tourist attractions, international auto racing, and world famous Daytona Beach nearby.
Q: Why do you think this concept is attracting more and more people?
There has been a considerable increase in general aviation. Many people with an interest in aviation are discovering the availability of airpark communities like Spruce Creek. Located in a region of the U.S. that is experiencing significant increases in development and population growth, Spruce Creek is ideally situated to continue to attract newcomers whether they are pilots and aircraft owners or not.
I hope that this covers your questions. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Warmest regards,
