I'm not disputing anything, and don't know, but wonder...
All you guys flying out of small airports, does it seem like the public would know, looking at the entrance that they could come in, watch planes take off and land, go around and look at the planes, without being arrested or questioned? I'm in Norway, grew up in the US though. Both there and here (when I drove into my airport, Kjeller, the entrance had a "military area, entry prohibuted" sign that made me think twice if I had the right entrance or was allowed to drive in. Turns out the military restricted area is on the right fork, or if being used by mil closed.) it looks like only authorized personnel would be allowed in. Once you get inside there is even raised benches placed where many can sit and watch the runway, but you have to get in there to know.
Does the local airport invite "neighbors", local schools to come by and check out the airport? What about leaflets at the local high school inviting kids to come by, or even "flying clubs" in high school extracurricular?
Ours here is in strife, may be shut down so they can put up more block apartments. Looks like the local mayor is not keen on flying. One or two folks will make a killing in real estate, the locals will have way more traffic and no real benefits (we can't do TNG here, and practice noise abatement) and pilots in Oslo will probably lose the most viable airport since they closed Fornebu (and the government promised a viable airport for the area).
I think in the sixties and seventies, maybe eighties people in general were much more aware that it was possible to take flying lessons and actually learn to fly. Used to be too that GA was more often in the media, in tv shows, etc. it used to be promoted a lot more.
But I think after 911 airports are seen as "off limits" by the general public. I think local airports ought to try and promote, and it could start with signs at entrances welcoming the public.