Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Sierra Sky Park

May 26, 2006

1. Sierra Sky Park Marker

Inscription. Established October 23, 1946 as America's first aviation community. Through the efforts of Wm. and Doris Smilie, 130 acres of rolling "hog-wallow" and hardpan were transformed into a public use airport, with a sod runway, connecting taxi-way and extra wide streets. This combination would set the precedent for hundreds of similar communities through out the United States and the world. It would allow aviation oriented families to experience the dream of having an aircraft in their own yards and the camaraderie of neighbors with similar dreams.

Erected 1996 by Jim Savage Chapter 1852, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 23, 1946.

Location. 36° 50.357′ N, 119° 52.169′ W. Marker is in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. Marker is on North Doolittle Drive, 0.1 miles north of West Spaatz Avenue, on the right when traveling south. North Doolittle and West Spaatz are both streets fully contained within the boundaries of Sierra Sky Park. The marker is below the berm landing strip along Doolittle Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fresno CA 93722, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. Forestiere Underground Gardens (approx. 2.3 miles away); William Saroyan House Museum (approx. 3.7 miles away); Christmas Tree Lane (approx. 4.1 miles away); Korea "The Forgotten War" (approx. 6.6 miles away); French Merci Train Boxcar (approx. 6.6 miles away); French Merci Train Boxcar Cover (approx. 6.6 miles away); Fort Washington (approx. 6.9 miles away); Fresno Technical School (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fresno.

Also see . . . Youtube video of Sierra Sky Park including a view of the historical marker. (Submitted on October 28, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California.)

Photographed By Lester J Letson, August 15, 2005

2. Sierra Sky Park Marker

Sierra Sky Park dedications image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson, October 5, 1996

3. Sierra Sky Park dedications

Members of E Clampus Vitus pose behind the marker during the dedication in 1996.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 875 times since then and 53 times this year. Last updated on November 1, 2023, by Ronald D. (Ron) Trigueiro of Fresno, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 28, 2014, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.