Somebody in the "You Said It" section today said build as aquarium. I know it's been suggested but has it been discussed by the powers that be? I've spent this time in thought. Trying to imagine what could be built in the park that people would accept. There are a few things that it would be hard to find fault with.
I know several people who have driven to Chattanooga, TN just to see the aquarium and come back home. A simple day trip. Of course they eat somewhere along the way. They probably also do a little shopping in all the outlet stores. They might even take in an I-Max movie. After all that, several are going to opt to spend the night. Now maybe if we build all that the local people would just make a quick trip to the aquarium and back home but the people in Chattanooga need someplace to go too.
I've gone to Birmingham and Nashville just for outdoor concerts. Of course I'd leave early so I could stop off with my friends and spend fifty bucks apiece on a meal and a few drinks. Then go to the concert and enjoy an open air night of music and beer.
How could we go wrong with an aquarium, an I-Max theatre, and an open air concert arena. If it won't all fit in the park what about the undeveloped property around the hotel? There's room all along the river bank along there for something to be built. You could connect the venues with this walking trail some keep wanting.
Of course a few things would need to happen to enhance this. Maybe we could finally turn East Florence, with it's quirky architectural style, into a night time entertainment district with a couple of pubs. Of course that would mean loosening up the strangle hold on alcohol sales. No more 51% rule. Mandatory that draft beer sales would have to be allowed. That sort of thing. That would be a perfect place to warm up before a concert on the river bank.
I think something like this is the best idea going. Not just because it's mine, actually it's not. It's just being offered for discussion by me. I really think it would allow us to develope the park to draw people in to the hotel and still have the park to use as a nice place for outdoor entertainment. If you agree let's get behind it and push. If not then let's hear a better idea.
Original Post