sad to see.
I was once an ankle biter that spent hours peering through an airport fence.
Now, if I see someone on the other side of the fence, looking at my aircraft (if I have a spare minute) I will ask if they want a closer look.
It's good community P.R.
Airshows, open days, viewing areas and joy flights all win friends for aviation.
The 'civvy' looking through the airport fence is one less vote against closing your local airport.