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Bethany Airport

bethany airport hangar and biplane

The Bethany Airport is a 112‑acre historic and multi‑use recreational area located along Amity Road in Bethany. Once one of New England’s earliest airports, the property now serves as a community open space with trails, fields, equestrian facilities, and preserved aviation history. Once a stop for early airmail flights, the only things flying at the Bethany Airport today are footballs, frisbees, and the occasional fireworks during the BVFD chicken bbq.

 

Please pick up after your dog

Park Amenities 

  • Recreational fields, including large open areas for soccer, football, and community activities.
  • Two equestrian riding rings and an announcer’s stand.
  • Airplane hangar and one of Connecticut’s last remaining airmail navigation arrows, a remnant of early aviation in New England.
  • Recycling Center, Town Garage, and Firehouse.
  • Picnic areas, scenic spots around the lake, and peaceful areas for relaxing
  • Wooded natural areas and trails suitable for walking, nature viewing, and passive recreation.
  • Open spaces perfect for tossing balls, throwing frisbees, and enjoying wide‑open sky activities where the only things flying now are the ones you bring.

 

Trails

The western portion of the property features a well‑marked system of easy‑to‑moderate hiking trails:

Yellow Trail: 0.28 miles
White Trail: 0.47 miles
Red Trail: 0.9 miles 

view more from the bethany land trust

 

 

History

The Bethany Airport, originally known as Bethany Field, opened in 1923 and became one of the first airports in New England, serving as a hub for early airmail and local aviation pioneers. A large concrete airmail navigation arrow, still visible today, once guided pilots toward major cities before the era of radar and GPS. The airfield remained active into the 1960s before closing in 1965, and the Town of Bethany purchased the 112‑acre property in 1967. The Bethany Historical Society holds regular events and talks featuring the airport's history.

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Rental Facilities

Looking for the perfect landing spot for your next event? The airport athletic fields and horse‑riding rings are available for rent for sports, gatherings, and equestrian activities.

Reserve the Airport