Located in St Mary’s County, Maryland, AeroPark Innovation District is an emerging ecosystem encouraging new ideas, opportunities and engagement. AeroPark serves as a place for resource sharing and idea exchange through a planned growth effort that includes increased connectivity to existing industry, education and research facilities and adjoining neighborhoods and retail space.
A centrally located and active regional airport is at the core of AeroPark. In addition, existing research and education facilities exploring unmanned systems development along with innovation-focused commercial aviation industry partners provide the foundation elements of the district.
AeroPark Innovation District, St Mary’s County Maryland is emerging in and around the St Mary’s County Regional Airport.
Current stakeholders such as the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM), the University of Maryland Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Site, the TechPort business accelerator, various specialized aviation and aeronautic companies and others make AeroPark a collaborative space supporting and encouraging innovation and idea exchange.
As progress continues within the district, the completion of the newly constructed Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology (SMART) Building at USMSM serves as a beacon of inspiration to the entire district. This $86 million, 84,000-square foot academic and research facility, will be transformative. The innovation half of the SMART Building features an autonomous technologies research facility, which will include underwater, air, and land testing capabilities. The facility will make the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland the USM’s only regional higher education center with a research component. The academic half of the new SMART Building will hold state-of-the-art classrooms, allowing students from across the Southern Maryland region enhanced access to in-demand educational programs.
University Systems of Maryland “SMART” Building located at AeroPark Innovation District
Additionally, the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport is the fastest growing General Aviation airport in Maryland. Located approximately seven miles north of NAS PAX River, the Airport facilitates 38,000 to 56,000 takes-offs and landings annually. Nearly 200 aircraft live at the airport, surpassing projections that anticipated less than 120 by 2020. Due to this growth, the Airport itself is undergoing a multi-million-dollar expansion project through collaborative efforts of private industry, St. Mary’s County Government, the State of Maryland and the FAA. The current runway is 4,150 ft. and is extending to 5,350 ft. to accommodate larger aircraft and corporate jets. The airport serves as the base of operations for many general aviation service providers and organizations.
St. Mary’s County is committed to growing this Innovation District centered around the airport and existing assets. This district will support the emerging innovation economy in St. Mary’s, growing jobs, diversifying the economy, and attracting and keeping talented workers in the County.
Aerospace company, PaxAero Solutions delivering modifications at AeroPark
With so many existing assets and anchors close by, the Innovation District is already taking shape. Understanding this, St. Mary’s County is ready to continue moving forward with the implementation of the Innovation District Master Plan. This plan provides a framework for policies and programs to fill the gaps and the physical design needed to form the place. Read the Master Plan.
St Mary’s County, Maryland.
We ARE Aviation Innovation.
