DFW International Airport Unveils Founders’ Plaza Sidewalk Medallions Marking Airport History

(DFW AIRPORT – Sept. 17, 2010) – DFW International Airport today dedicated six granite sidewalk medallions illustrating the history of DFW and aviation in the North Texas region. The medallions are installed at Founders’ Plaza, DFW’s public observation park.

“Founders’ Plaza serves as an excellent place for our community to watch the flurry of aviation activity at the world’s third busiest airport,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. “These sidewalk medallions will be a great complement to the educational mission we have already established at Founders’ Plaza.”

The six new medallions trace the development of DFW Airport, going all the way back to the early days of commercial aviation in North Texas and on through the present day. Each of the black granite circular medallions, which measure four feet in diameter, are laser-etched with information and images about a specific era or topic in DFW history.

A community favorite and Airport landmark, Founders’ Plaza offers school groups, families and aviation enthusiasts the perfect spot to take in the splendor of aviation. Founders’ Plaza also features the original DFW Airport beacon, along with shaded pavilions, picnic tables, viewing stations and audible radio traffic from the air traffic control tower.

Founders’ Plaza is located at North Airfield Drive and Texan Trail, just south of State Highway 114 in Grapevine.

The medallions were made possible by the generous financial sponsorship of six supporting individuals or groups. The general public also has an opportunity to sponsor a personalized brick along the walkways of Founders’ Plaza, at a cost of $125 each. Interested parties can order a brick online at www.dfwairport.com/founders. 

About the Founders’ Plaza Medallions

Medallion #1: “The Creation of a Dream” Sponsored by Suzanne and Jan Collmer

Medallion #2: “The Dream is Realized” Sponsored by Mike Bowman/Century 21

Medallion #3: “The Growth of Flight” Sponsored the DFW Airport Ambassadors Program

Medallion #4: “The World Is Connected” Sponsored by Nelson Spencer and Janet Shaw in memory of Morris G. Spencer, founding member of the DFW Airport Board

Medallion #5: “The Balance of Nature and Technology” Sponsored by Joe Denton

Medallion #6: “The Dream Will Continue” Sponsored by the North Texas Commission