March 3, 2020 – Guests checking out the view from atop Discovery Park of America’s 110-foot Cooper Tower—one of the tallest observation towers in the southeastern United States—can see acres of farmland and pockets of houses, churches and businesses that dot the landscapes of most rural communities. And on a very clear day, they can see all the way to Reelfoot Lake, 15 miles to the west.

But the one thing visible in this unique panorama that generates the most questions from the museum’s visitors comes from what appears to be a grass-covered landing strip that runs as far as the eye can see from the north to the south right alongside the entire 50 acres of Discovery Park. Some days visitors may spot potential customers from a local dealership using it to test drive four wheelers, or they may see a few local bicyclists who have used it as a track for long-distance—and very flat—mountain biking. Though for the most part, it currently sits undisturbed by anything other than the occasional rabbit or deer.

That runway is actually a section of the unfinished Interstate 69, and the history of how it came to be is almost as fascinating as how a 100-million-dollar museum and heritage park ended up in Union City, Tenn.

The original intention of I-69 was to connect Canada to Mexico through Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Nicknamed the NAFTA Superhighway, it was meant to enhance expected commerce with Canada and Mexico based on the 1992 North American Free Trade Agreement. This agreement gradually eliminated most tariffs and other trade barriers on products and services that passed between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In his book published in 2010, “Interstate 69: The Unfinished History of the Last Great American Highway,” author Matt Dellinger provided a fascinating look of this controversial road project and the unique role played by those passionate about I-69 from Southern Kentucky and Western Tennessee.

Dellinger wrote that the idea first came in the spring of 1990 at the breakfast table of David Graham, a fifth-generation, Daviess County, Ind., businessman with deep roots in that region’s business community. He had invited two of his associates, David Cox, with the Daviess County Growth Council, and Jo Arthur, with the Southern Indiana Development Corporation, to meet with him and David Reed. Reed was conducting an economic development study on the potential for development in southern rural Indiana. As the group discussed why so many young people were leaving their rural community, the idea came up of an interstate that would connect Evansville with Indianapolis, bringing much-needed industry to that area and providing jobs for young people to return to after college or trade school.

Knowing there would be political power in numbers, Graham then took the idea of an interstate to others with similar ambitions for their own communities. After getting others committed, they launched the Midcontinent Highway Coalition to lobby for I-69 in Washington, D.C.

The coalition’s lobbying contributed to the passing of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 that included two high-priority corridors that would later become parts of the proposed extension of I-69. Corridor 18, that would eventually run alongside Discovery Park, would take interstate travelers from Indianapolis to Memphis via Evansville.

Memphis was already benefiting from its location and proximity to runway, road, rail and river, which made it a major transportation hub. Then Mayor W. W. Herenton was such a supporter of I-69, he hosted the coalition’s first meeting in Nov. 1992 at the Peabody Hotel. Around 50 business and community leaders who supported I-69 from all eight of the states that would benefit attended that day.

Dellinger’s book includes stories of the battles between special interest groups, grass-roots activists, environmentalists and politicians—including those who wanted I-69 to come through their communities and those who didn’t.

Former Discovery Park president Jim Rippy, Representative John Tanner and others in Obion County worked tirelessly to see I-69 come through the area knowing it would bring tourists and industry to the entire region. Tanner, who served in congress from 1989 to 2011 representing Tennessee’s 8th congressional district, was also a member of the I-69 Caucus.

Although in 2007, I-69 was selected by the United States Department of Transportation as one of six “Corridors of the Future,” making it eligible for additional federal funding and streamlined planning and review, the funding was later withheld, causing some states to suspend construction indefinitely. Some came up with ways to use existing roads as part of I-69 while others funded construction through the state’s budgets and revenue generated from tolls.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation made the decision to stop working on I-69 in 2012 because of that lack of federal funding. However, in 2015, they determined there would be value in finishing just enough of I-69 to link it to I-55, the major north to south route that runs through Memphis and down to the Gulf Coast.

Depending on the state, you’ll find sections of I-69 that have been completed while others have been funded and are currently under construction. However, some sections in some states may never be completed.

In 2018, Kentucky brought Discovery Park one section closer to Canada when 31 additional miles were added to I-69 with the completion of two major interchange projects. I-69 replaced the Julian Carroll-Purchase Parkway from the I-24 Exit 25 Interchange at Calvert City, extending southward through Mayfield to the 20 mile marker.

According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the section of I-69 that runs alongside Discovery Park from a little northwest of the former Wingfoot Golf Course to Reelfoot Avenue was the first of three projects that encompass the I-69 loop around Union City. The section to the southwest down to US 51 was the second section. Both segments have been completed up to final grading which means they are ready for paving. Currently in the construction phase is the section a little northwest of the former Wingfoot Golf Course to US 45 and US 51 about halfway to Fulton, Ky. TDOT anticipates that all three segments will be completed and paved by fall of 2023. This will open the entire Union City loop. The remainder of the project, including the exchange in Fulton and the section south of Union City all the way to Dyersburg, are currently in various phases of development.

Tanner, who was there when I-69 first became a topic of conversation in Northwest Tennessee, is still excited about the increased commerce the area will see when it is finally opened. “With the completion of the Obion County portion of I-69, a regional airport, proximity to Reelfoot Lake and the Mississippi River and now, Discovery Park of America, this will be a premier destination for tourists from all corners of our country,” he said.

As part of his research for the book, Dellinger met with Robert Kirkland, founder of Discovery Park, as crews were working on what would become the now-iconic 100,000-square-foot museum. Kirkland showed off the initial drawings and some of the architectural plans including the ones for a clear-bottomed observation tower. At the time, it was projected that a 2012 grand opening of Discovery Park would coincide with the opening of the Obion County portion of I-69, allowing not just business commerce, but tourists, to flow into the region.

Although neither project met the 2012 deadline, Discovery Park opened its doors in November 2013 and, with 1.7 million visitors since that first day, is considered an overwhelming success that is bringing millions of dollars into the region.

It will be an exciting day for many when guests observing I-69 from Cooper Tower at Discovery Park witness cars and trucks using Interstate I-69 as those around David Graham’s breakfast table first envisioned thirty years ago.

Jan. 27, 2020 – If you’ve driven by the Discovery Park of America parking lot in Union City this January, you have no doubt seen the cars filling the parking lot. Visitors from around the country have been taking advantage of the opportunity for children under the age of 17 to visit for free.

School groups have been especially excited about the unique offer. In Jan. 2019, two school groups visited the park. As of Monday, more than 110 school groups had visited or scheduled a visit to take place by the end of the month.

With only two open days remaining in Jan. 2020, over 15,500 guests have passed through the front doors compared to 3,700 in Jan. 2019.

The jump in visitors is because Magnolia Place Assisted Living in Union City sponsored free admission for all children 17 and younger in January as a way to pay tribute to and memorialize Jenny Kirkland. Kirkland, who died in Aug. 2019, was married to the museum and park’s founder, Robert Kirkland, and continued to play an active role in the organization since his death in 2015.

“Education was one of the biggest passions of Robert and Jenny Kirkland,” said David Johnson, administrator of Magnolia Place. “Our board saw this as a way we could honor Mrs. Kirkland while helping even more young people have an opportunity to visit the museum and park she and her family founded. We’re so excited it has gone so well.”

While at Discovery Park, many guests took advantage of the opportunity to check out the new temporary exhibit, “Astronaut,” now on display. So many more guests wanted to experience blasting off into space than expected, that additional staff were needed.

Included among the groups on Monday were more than 500 students from Ripley Middle School who did not receive any disciplinary referrals to the principal’s office for the second nine weeks.

“I’m certain their good behavior will continue as they experience all that Discovery Park has to offer,” said Cindy Anderson, principal of Ripley Middle School. “To have an attraction like this in West Tennessee without having to travel to Memphis provides a unique opportunity for our rural community. As a parent, grandparent and educator, Discovery Park has provided many wonderful experiences and memories for my family and students.”

“When you’re here and the parking lot is overflowing and the museum and park are packed with guests, it energizes all of us,” said Scott Williams, Discovery Park president and CEO. “This month, we’ve had the additional benefit of welcoming many children, adults and school groups for whom this is a first-time visit. And of course, they are enjoying every minute they are here. We’re all so grateful to Magnolia Place for this unique gift.”

Tickets will be available for the final two days of the special offer at the Discovery Park of America ticket counter Jan. 30 and 31, 2020. Student groups must be arranged in advance by calling 731-885-5455 or emailing reservations@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Union City, Tenn. – Discovery Park of America’s hands-on, highly-interactive temporary exhibit, “Astronaut,” is now open for things to do with Kids and Activities for Students. The exhibit explores the physical and mental challenges involved in space exploration and gives guests a taste of what life is like outside of Earth and its atmosphere.

A members-only sneak peek was held on Thurs., Jan. 16 for all members of Discovery Park to experience this exhibit before it opened to the public on Friday morning. Located in the ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall, the exhibit features 26 different stations that demonstrate how life is lived in space with zero gravity. Guests can test their grip strength in special gloves that mimic the pressurized spacesuit, or they can work together to smoothly launch their own space mission.

Also included in the members-only event was a program featuring Dr. Lawrence DeLucas, a member of the seven-person crew of Space Shuttle Columbia for Mission “STS-50.” Dr. DeLucas traveled more than 6 million miles, completing 221 orbits of earth and logging over 331 hours in space. In 1994 and 1995, Dr. DeLucas served as the Chief Scientist for the International Space Station at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. During the program, Dr. DeLucas shared stories of life aboard the Space Shuttle and credited numerous teachers for inspiring his career with NASA.

On Friday morning, a special treat was in store for some of the students visiting Discovery Park. Jason Kelley, a 2002 graduate of South Fulton High School who now works at the Marshall Space Flight Center, was on hand for a program where he shared his experiences and discussed the power of STEAM learning. Kelley provides support for NASA payload operations on board the International Space Station.

Jason Kelley (L) and Chuck Seratt (R). Kelley attended South Fulton High School where Seratt taught him physics and chemistry.

On hand with a group of students from his high school was Chuck Seratt who taught Kelley in physics and chemistry at South Fulton High School.

“Astronaut” will be open to the public Jan. 17 – May 3, 2020. Tickets for “Astronaut” will be $6.95 in addition to the price of admission to Discovery Park. Special pricing of $4.95 is available for students in groups. For more information or to book a field trip, educators should call reservations at 731-885-5455 or email reservations@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Union City, Tenn. – A very special guest visited on Thurs., Nov. 7, to see an artifact he donated installed in the World War II section of The Military Gallery at Discovery Park of America. T. Joe Walker of Martin, Tenn., donated a model of a WWII-era fixed timber trestle bridge to Discovery Park, and it represents just one of many bridges that he helped build when he served in the 163rd Engineer Combat Battalion in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Walker was a heavy-duty supervisor on building bridges. “A lieutenant told me in Van Dorn, Miss., that he was going to make a bridge builder out of me if it killed us both,” Walker said. “So that was my duty, to take care of supplies and men and whatever it took to get the bridge done.”

Walker landed on Utah Beach just days after the initial invasion on D-Day. The 163rd Engineer Combat Battalion, also known as the “Striped-Ass Apes,” was responsible for clearing the roads for troops, building bridges, trucking supplies and occasionally acting as infantry. He served until 1946.

The model of the fixed timber trestle bridge represents one of the many types of bridges that were constructed by members of that battalion during WWII. This particular model was built by Herman P. Shutt, a fellow member of the battalion during the war. Shutt built the model and presented it at one of their reunions. It was displayed at the Barnett Museum in Martin, Tenn., and returned to Walker some years later, who then donated it to Discovery Park.

Walker was accompanied by his daughter, Shelia Thompson, to get a sneak peek of the exhibits team putting it up in the gallery. “We are thrilled to see this special artifact on display. It gives honor to not only my dad, but to all the members of the 163rd Engineer Combat Battalion,” said Thompson.

The artifact will be in place and ready for viewing by Sun., Nov. 10, which is when Discovery Park is observing Veterans Day because the park is closed on Mondays. All veterans and their dependents will receive free admission. Guests can explore the park and be among the first to see the new artifact on display.

Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America hosted ten teams from nine area schools in the third annual Canstruction competition last Friday. The teams created unique sculptures made almost entirely of cans that will be on display throughout the museum during the month of November.

According to organizer Andrew Gibson, assistant director of education at Discovery Park, a CanStruction competition at the park was a dream of co-founder Jenny Kirkland. “Mrs. Kirkland saw an exhibit like this in Memphis and asked that we host this event in Union City,” Gibson said. “She really loved the idea that it allowed students to express their creativity while learning about engineering, science and math.”

Canstruction is an international charity competition where architects, engineers, contractors, teachers and students they mentor, compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. At the close of the competition all of the food is donated to local food banks where the competitions are held. Canstruction was founded in 1992 by Cheri Melillo and has since raised millions of pounds of food for food banks in participating cities across the world. With more than 170 cities and over 30,000 volunteers participating in Canstruction competitions, it has grown to become one of the largest food drives for food bank donations in the world.

In addition to creating a unique and interesting exhibit at Discovery Park for the month of November, the 13,933 cans will be dismantled on Dec. 1 and donated to three area charities for distribution in December. Chimes for Charity and Helping Hands in Union City, TN and We Care Ministries of Martin, TN will each receive one-third of the cans.

A portion of the cost of the cans is paid for by the event sponsors, Westan Insurance Group and Allen Searcy Builder Contractor. Each school is given $500 for cans and is also allowed to fundraise to add additional cans as needed.

The student groups assembled at assigned locations inside Discovery Center and began building at 9 a.m. Friday morning and the competition ended at noon. The teams competed for awards in six categories including Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Most Creative, Juror’s Favorite and the coveted Best Overall. This year, NWTN Homeschool won Best Overall.

Teams competing in Canstruction this year were Union City Art and Key Club, Union City CTE, Lake Road, Obion County Central High School, Black Oak, South Fulton High School, Hillcrest, South Fulton Middle School, NWTN Homeschool and Westview High School.

“All the schools that participate are winners,” Gibson said. “To see these students working collaboratively and creating these unique designs is really rewarding. And to know the work will later help those in need makes it even more inspiring.”

The structures will be on display through Nov., 30. Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN and has a mission to inspire both children and adults to see beyond. For more information about exhibits, upcoming events or how you can become involved in the park’s mission, visit www.discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America will be featuring the work of internationally-acclaimed pop artist Red Grooms in its “Artist Showcase” gallery Oct. 18, 2019 through April 30, 2020. The show will be launched with a free reception on Oct. 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a discussion about Grooms with Bill Hickerson, executive director of the West Tennessee Regional Art Center and Letha Botts, an artist who is originally from Union City and who worked with Grooms in the late 1970s.

Born in Nashville in 1937, Red Grooms stands among Tennessee’s cultural icons. A performance artist, filmmaker, printmaker and cartoonist, he is best known for colorful pop art that captures both the grotesqueness and humor of everyday life.

Grooms’ work has been widely influential for generations of artists and his work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States, as well as Europe, and Japan. His art is featured in the collections of more than 35 museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art in Nashville, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Organized by the museum’s exhibits director, Jennifer Wildes, the show at Discovery Park will feature color lithographic print sculptures, lithographic prints, paintings and mixed media pieces.

“Red Grooms is the most recognized living Tennessee artist,” says Bill Hickerson, executive director of the West Tennessee Regional Art Center. “This sampling of works from his career will give Discovery Park visitors a look at his style, and the whimsical spirit that created it.

Although Grooms continues working primarily out of the same studio in the TriBeCa neighborhood in New York that he’s been in since 1969, he also has a home and studio in Tennessee.

Union City, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America and Magnolia Place Assisted Living announced today that Magnolia Place will pay for Discovery Park of America admission for all children 17 and younger as a way to pay tribute to and memorialize Jenny Kirkland. Kirkland, who died in Aug. 2019, was married to the museum and park’s founder, Robert Kirkland and has continued to play an active role in the organization since his death in 2015.

“Education was one of the biggest passions for Robert and Jenny Kirkland,” said David Johnson, administrator of Magnolia Place. “Our board saw this as a way we could honor Mrs. Kirkland while helping even more young people have an opportunity to visit the museum and park she and her family founded.”

Throughout the month of Jan. 2020 children 17 and under will receive free general admission to Discovery Park at the ticket counter or as part of a student group.

Jenny Kirkland was active in the Arts Council of Union City and was a long-time member of St. James’ Episcopal Church where she served faithfully on the Alter Guild. Along with her husband, she established the Robert E. & Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation, where she served as President until her death.

She also served on the Board of Directors of Discovery Park of America and Promethean Foundation and was a founding contributor to the Union City Rotary Club’s European Trip for local high school students.

“Our mission here is to inspire children and adults to see beyond, and I am certain there will be many young people from around the region who will get to visit and whose lives will be changed thanks to this generous gift,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park.

Tickets will be available at the Discovery Park of America ticket counter Jan. 2 – Jan. 31, 2020. Student groups must be arranged in advance by calling 731-885-5455 or emailing reservations@discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Union City, Tenn.—Discovery Park of America and Pediatric Place of Union City are partnering on Oct. 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to provide information about a wealth of resources and services available to children in this area. There will be vendors and organizations located throughout the park with information, fun activities for kids and plenty of swag for both children and adults during Pediatric Day at Discovery Park of America.

“This is an opportunity for parents to learn the latest in health trends, educational resources and special services available for children and their families,” said Dr. John Bates, pediatrician at the Pediatric Place in Union City. “We envision kids, parents and grandparents coming together for a fun day to learn more about how to keep their kids happy, healthy and safe.”

As the sponsor of Pediatric Day, Pediatric Place of Union City is paying the admission for all children ages 17 and under. “We want to encourage families to come to Pediatric Day together to explore all the resources we have in the area to enrich their lives,” Bates said.

According to Polly Brasher who works in education at the park, there will be everything from ambulances to helicopters at Discovery Park on Pediatric Day. “Our mission at Discovery Park is to inspire children and adults to discovery new things in a fun and interactive way. We want children to climb into the back of an ambulance, get in the life-flight helicopter and be up close to firetrucks and emergency personal,” Brasher said. “So, then, if they ever have to experience an emergency transport, maybe they won’t be so scared.”

The list of services and agencies who will be set up at Discovery Park on Oct. 5 is growing daily. In addition to emergency vehicles and personnel, guests will be able to meet with representatives from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital- Union City, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Safe Kids of West Tennessee, Carl Perkins Center, the Department of Children’s Services, UT Martin, Youth Villages and many others.

“Our goal is that this day will provide parents the tools and resources that they need to serve their children now and make their future better,” Bates said. “There will be fun activities at many of the booths for the kids, and great educational materials for both children and parents.”

For more information about Pediatric Day including an up-to-date list of vendors, visit Discovery Park of America’s website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Union City, Tenn.— Discovery Park of America is having a “Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival” on Sept. 28 and 29 inside Discovery Center. Over 20 authentic craftsmen will be set up inside Discovery Center, demonstrating and selling their wares throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the popular Bluegrass band Jargon will be playing in the Settlement, and the Graves will be playing in the Chapel.

“It’s the first full weekend of autumn, and we are celebrating by having authentic craftsmen and bluegrass music in the park,” said Polly Brasher who headed up the event. “And, even better, it’s free for all of our members and included with park admission.”

The current list of vendors Discovery Park of America is expecting is growing daily and includes:

• Adelle – paintings
• Alice Fennel – lap quilting/loom weaving
• Autumn Creek Woodturning
• Beacham’s Clocks
• Betty J Green – knit and crochet afghans, dish rags
• Bobby Joe Hill – handmade ink pens, duck calls, artwork
• Caren’s Creations – jewelry, embroidered items
• Carolyn K – handmade items for everyone in the family
• Cindy Moore – hand painted shirts/bags, handmade jewelry
• Coley and Marilyn Graves – music in the Chapel
• Crystal Community Club – crochet, corn shuck dolls, carving
• Ginger Patch Designs – handmade sewing items
• Jane Fisher – tatting demonstration
• JH Handcrafters -wooden items
• Julia Barham – fall décor
• Ken Byrd Woodturning – ornaments, pens and bowls
• Knot Perfect Wood Designs – wooden jewelry
• Lore Hopper
• Machelle Operia – crochet pieces
• Mason Hall Quilters
• Michelle Williams – art pieces
• Mona Viveros – hand-sewn accessories
• Norma Skinner – homemade home décor
• Pondmermaid Art – original driftwood art, jewelry and repurposed furniture
• Richie Scott – fine art photography and hand-built rustic frames
• Sandy Tolar – demonstration of braided rugs
• Second Street Crafts – crochet, wooden crafts and wreaths
• The Soap Shop – handmade soaps, bath bombs and body butters
• Spa 46 – all-natural bath and body products
• Sugar Tree Woodworks – carved pieces
• TN Bread Lady – friendship bread with pumpkin, cranberry-orange, lemon and banana
• Two Creeks Pottery – ceramic pottery, raku firing demo and enameled jewelry

The Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival is an annual event and will be held the last weekend in September each year. “We hope that our guests and these craftsmen have a great weekend,” Brasher said. “We would love to see this festival grow larger each year.”

For more information about the Southern Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival, visit the park’s website. Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, Tenn., and offers a unique blend of history, science, education and fun.