![]() ![]() The human slide was developed by the Education committee for Discovery Park and was made for all ages to use. The 50-acre attraction consists of historical buildings, gardens, a maze and great lawn, a log cabin settlement and a 100,000-square-foot Discovery Center. The plans were drawn, and in 2008, ground was broken on Everett Boulevard, down the road from the old Goodyear plant. Michael Gibson and Geology professor Lionel Crews, that got together to determine what Discovery Park would have to offer. The troops were divided into committees, which included UTM’s very own Physics professor Dr. There will soon be live farm animals roaming that side of the park. There was an outstanding turnout of 250 people who were later named the “volunteer army.” In Mill Ridge, there is a working water wheel. The duo wanted to find out how much the community wanted to be involved by inviting all of the people who were interested to meet at the Hampton Inn. ![]() Robert Kirkland and Jim Rippy of Union City are now the founder and the CEO of Discovery Park. The friendship became a partnership when they put their heads together to make their idea come to life. One of the largest projects this area has seen will finally be accomplished.ĭiscovery Park of America began with two friends who had an idea back in 2007. 1 is going to be the beginning of something big for not just Union City, but West Tennessee as well. Today, Discovery Park of America stands not just as a life-changing gift to West Tennessee, but to the entire world.Įxplore more when you purchase the Discovery Park of America Guidebook on Amazon.Nov. As his business and fortune continued to grow, Kirkland and his wife, Jenny, committed themselves again and again to supporting their community in powerful ways. His career allowed him to travel the world, exposing Kirkland to sights, sounds and ideas that many live a lifetime without ever experiencing. He grew his business and made his fortune in home décor, first in retail, then in imports. Whatever he may have lacked in furniture, Kirkland more than made up for in determination, inquisitiveness and work ethic. For a desk, he had an old door set atop a pair of sawhorses. Robert Kirkland began his business with a rented office on First Street in Union City, Tennessee. Not only had there never been anything like this in Obion County, there had never been anything quite like Discovery Park in the world.Īlthough Robert and Jenny Kirkland have both since passed away, their vision has been realized, and since opening, millions of guests have experienced this 100-million-dollar masterpiece now sitting in what was once a quiet cornfield. 1, 2013 as Robert and Jenny Kirkland cut the red ribbon. The combined efforts of experts, novices and volunteers were fully realized on Nov. Eventually, more than 350 volunteers contributed more than 20,000 hours to the planning and construction of Discovery Park. ![]() When Robert Kirkland held his first public meeting to explore the creation of a museum in Union City, more than 250 members of the community showed up to declare their desire to be part of his mission to create a center of culture and education in West Tennessee. The location was chosen as a way for them to give back to Union City, their small West Tennessee hometown. Discovery Park of America provides a one-of-a-kind, transformational experience first envisioned by Robert and Jenny Kirkland. ![]()
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