Aviation Heritage Park opened the doors of its $2.5 million, 12,000 square foot museum on Saturday, September 23.
“This project has taken almost three years, but we are finally realizing our dream,” said AHP President Joe Tucker. “We broke ground in 2018, but, like everyone else, had to deal with a few roadblocks. All of that is behind us now, and we’re genuinely excited to show our addition to the community.”
Newly appointed Executive Director, Bob Bubnis, has taken the helm of the facility, creating displays honoring aviators from our immediate region, as well as those with a connection to WKU. “I’m primarily a storyteller, and this rich history is both surprising and humbling. These stories must be preserved for future generations.” He said, adding, “This is Phase One of the exhibits we’re planning. This will show where we’re headed, and what we hope to bring to our visitors.”
Visitors to Aviation Heritage Park are familiar with the outside displays of restored warbirds, each honoring a particular local pilot. “The more stories we uncover, the more we realized that our community needs this facility,” said Joe Tinius, a member of the AHP Board of Directors.
One of those aircraft tells the story of Russellville’s Col Terry Wilcutt, a WKU grad who became a NASA astronaut. Wilcutt was on hand to cut the ribbon, and hold a Q&A session about his life and career for the museum’s first visitors.
The park is located at 1825 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY. The park is free of charge and open 7am – 7 pm, 365 days/year. Aviation Heritage Park Museum is inside the park and open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm. Currently there is no admission fee to tour the museum.
