Project Will Proceed With Same Vision to Build a World-Class Education and Tourism Venue in Union City, TN

The Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation will select a new architect for Discovery Park of America. The current contract with Douglas Cardinal Architects was recently terminated by the Foundation.

As a result of this change in architects, Discovery Park will have a new design. For this reason, renderings of the original design have been removed from the web site. The new design will be developed after the new architect is selected. The Foundation expects to have a new architect within 2-3 months.

Kirkland Foundation Remains Committed
The Kirkland Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to be the primary benefactor of Discovery Park of America and to help achieve the vision for DPA developed by hundreds of community volunteers.

Discovery Park of America will be a multi-million dollar educational venue for children and adults, which will enable visitors to understand and celebrate the culture, spirit and accomplishments of the human race in nature, science, art and history.

The Kirklands had the vision for this wonderful venue as a place where children and adults could learn in an entertaining and pleasant environment. The Kirkland Foundation acquired the land and provided funds to begin construction and will continue to provide financing for completion of the construction and purchase of artifacts. To ensure successful operation, the Foundation will also provide funding for the acquisition of artifacts as well as fund a portion of the operating expenses for the first 20 years.

Cooperation and Involvement
Discovery Park of America is a cooperative endeavor with broad participation by the citizens of Union City and Obion and surrounding counties. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers are planning each themed area of the venue as well as needed services. Local and state governments are also taking an active role in the development. The state of Tennessee is considering the construction of a Welcome/Tourism Center on the property when I-69 is built adjacent to the west side of the property.

Discovery Center
The centerpiece of the Park will be Discovery Center, a world-class museum that will offer a variety of exciting and stimulating learning experiences. Exhibits inside Discovery Park will educate children and adults about many current and historical aspects of the human race as well as provide a glimpse into the future.

Discovery Center is also expected to contain a conference and convention facility for meetings, banquets, performances and social events. The facility will feature multi-purpose space with movable walls for flexible meeting spaces that can accommodate small or large groups up to approximately one thousand people.

Other Areas of Discovery Park
Similar learning and stimulation will occur outside Discovery Center with additional buildings dedicated to transportation and military exhibits. The 50-acre site will also feature botanical gardens, working farm plots and a YesterYear Village, an area devoted to preserving and sharing local historical structures and historical items associated with life in the mid-1800’s through the early 1900’s.

The museum is expected to have exciting exhibits and interactive experiences in the following areas:

• Regional History
• Native Americans
• Natural History
• Science, Space, & Industry
• Transportation History
• Art
• Military Equipment History
• Children’s Exploration
• Enlightenment Area
• Travelling Exhibit Area