Crook Restricted Landing Area

The closure was due to economic reasons, specifically urban encroachment and real estate development. As the suburban community of Columbia, Illinois, expanded, the land occupied by the airport became highly valuable for residential use. The owner sold the property to developers, leading to the airport's closure and subsequent redevelopment.

The site of the former Crook Restricted Landing Area has been completely redeveloped into a residential subdivision. The neighborhood is named 'Crook's Landing' in honor of the former airport and its owner. As a tribute to its aviation past, the streets within the subdivision are named after famous aircraft manufacturers and aviation themes, including Piper Court, Cessna Court, Lear Court, and Boeing Drive. No physical trace of the runway or airport buildings remains.

The airport, known locally as Crook Airport or Columbia Airport, was established in 1961 by owner and operator Lester A. Crook, a WWII flight instructor. This was the second iteration of his airfield, relocated slightly south of an original strip. For over 30 years, it served the local general aviation community as a private/public-use facility. It featured a single unpaved turf runway, designated 18/36, with a length of approximately 2,600 feet. The airport was a base for local pilots and their light aircraft, supporting recreational flying and flight training in the region south of St. Louis.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the airport. The land has been permanently and irreversibly repurposed for residential housing, with dozens of homes, streets, and associated infrastructure built directly over the former airfield. Re-establishing an airport at this location is not feasible.