MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Maxwell's Air Park almost didn't exist.

The Air Park, on the Academic Circle, was founded in April 1983, and it has been a cornerstone of not only Air University, but Maxwell Air Force Base. By displaying static aircraft with historical facts and details, the Air Park has shared a piece of the Air Force story with thousands of people, military personnel and civilians alike.

Yet the Air Park, with all of its displays and history, was an idea first thought outlandish. Former Air University Commander retired Lt. Gen. Charles Cleveland brought it to life. When he became Air University commander in July 1981, he created an initiative requiring ideas from every unit on how to better the base.

Airmen and officers submitted ideas. Ideas deemed good by General Cleveland's staff were then submitted to him. The idea chosen, however, almost did not make it to his desk.

Written and presented by Lt. Col. Henry "Hank" Staley, the idea for an air park was initially rejected because General Cleveland's staff found it to be too costly.

The idea was disregarded almost immediately, but General Cleveland had a new request.

"There were some decent ideas presented, but I wanted to see all of them, not just the ones that made it through the chain of command," said General Cleveland, who still lives in Montgomery. "After sifting through thousands of ideas, including the third recommendation of installing an ice-cream machine in the dining facility, I finally found the idea I thought had the potential to be great."

General Cleveland took the idea and set it in motion, searching for planes he could use for the Air Park. He soon found the plane that would become the first display: the Republic F-105 Thunderchief.

General Cleveland also managed to bring the North American B-25 Mitchell, the Douglas C-47 Skytrain and the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress to the Air Park before his departure in August 1984.

Further aircraft displays have been introduced to the Air Park over time, to include modern planes, a helicopter and even a replica of the original Wright Flyer.

General Cleveland said he wished he could have brought more displays to the Air Park during his time as commander. He cited the North American P-51 Mustang as a plane he would love to see displayed in the park.

Although the planes are great for display, there was meaning behind bringing them here, the general said.

"The Air Park is intended for more than just displaying aircraft," he said. "It is a reminder to servicemembers who go through Air University as to why they are here. They are either here to fly planes, or help support the mission, and it is important for everyone to see what they are fighting for."