Ray Schnepf Ranch Airport

The closure was primarily due to economic reasons and a fundamental change in land use. The Schnepf family, owners of the property, began transitioning their commercial farm into 'Schnepf Farms,' a major agri-tourism and public event venue. The land occupied by the private airstrip became significantly more valuable for hosting large festivals, providing guest parking, and developing new attractions. This shift was compounded by the rapid suburban expansion of Queen Creek, which enveloped the once-rural farm, making airport operations increasingly incompatible with the new surrounding residential neighborhoods.

The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped and is now a core part of the Schnepf Farms event grounds. The land where the runway and hangar were located is now used for large-scale public events, including the annual 'Pumpkin and Chili Party,' concerts, weddings, and corporate functions. The area is used for event staging, vendor booths, visitor parking, and camping. There are no visible remnants of the runway or any aviation-related infrastructure.

The airport, also known as Schnepf Air-Ranch, was a private airstrip established in the 1960s by Ray Schnepf. It was integral to the family's large-scale farming operations in the region. The airstrip was used for personal and business-related travel, allowing the family to efficiently manage their agricultural interests. It likely also supported agricultural aviation activities such as crop dusting. The airport was a classic example of a mid-20th century private 'farm strip,' a common feature for successful, modern farming enterprises before the area underwent significant urbanization.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the airport. The land's value as a commercial event space far exceeds its potential value as a private airstrip. Furthermore, the dense residential and commercial development that now surrounds Schnepf Farms makes re-establishing an airport logistically impossible, financially unfeasible, and it would face insurmountable regulatory hurdles and community opposition.