DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Plans are off the table to try to build the Arnold Heritage and Innovation Center on city park land after an outcry by opponents of uprooting athletic fields on the Waggoner Park campus.

However, according to Beverly Lee, Col. USAF (Ret), who is spearheading the project, the plan is not dead but instead is still going forward and is looking for another location.

“The Arnold Heritage and Innovation Center has always been a vision to support innovation, education, workforce development, and economic growth in the region,” she said. “While the original location is no longer under consideration, new locations are being explored that align with those goals.”

Supporters of the Center say its construction would make Tullahoma an even more attractive tourism environment. However, when the plan was submitted to the city board recently, questions arose about the impact it would have on the city’s athletic fields which would have to be moved to accommodate the Center. While members of AEDC were on-hand during the meeting to support the idea as citizens, the Center would not be an AEDC project as the base by rule cannot endorse a non-governmental entity. Instead, Lee said the plan would be to construct the facility using grants and donations and then, once up and running, the Center would begin taking in an income to help with the price of operation.

 “Each option presents unique factors, so all funding estimates and program details are being re-evaluated accordingly,” she said. “We remain focused on thoughtful planning and meaningful partnerships—and have no further updates to share at this time.”