In contrast to this decline, a new contingent of aviators became active at the airport, and increased the level of interest in that facility. The Balloon Fests of the '80s turned into the Airfests of the '90s, sponsored by the Big Rapids Flying Club. In 1995 a large corporate hangar was built on the North end by Big Rapids Products to house their twin Turboprop. Also, a group of six “T” hangars was built by the Club and soon filled with aircraft. A new grass strip was built on the southwest side of the field for the use of a growing contingent of ultralight “Powered Parachute” pilots. A new terminal building was completed in June 2002, and the City contracted with Ottawa-Kent Flying Service for FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) services on 18 June 2002. Plans are currently underway for a 700' expansion to runway 9/27 with a parallel taxiway.