Huntsville has a shocking void in a metropolitan area full of engineers, research, and development.

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Earlyworks is a wonderful hands-on fun and learning center for younger children. The Space and Rocket Center is great for older youths and teens who are interested in space and rocketry. However, for youths above the age of Earlyworks and below the age of the Space Center and for those interested in hands-on learning and fun there really is not a great option in Huntsville.

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Huntsville Mechanical Garden, or HMG for short, is a passion, desire, and burden laid on my heart for Huntsville and north Alabama. Similar in concept to McWayne Science Center in Birmingham and Discovery Center in Chattanooga, HMG will be a place for hands-on STEM and STEAM exploration for all ages, with a focus on ages 6 through middle school and beyond.

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With help from the artistic community at Lowe Mill, Five Points, and beyond I hope to include mechanical and industrial works of art throughout the exploration center so that those in search of a walkable Garden experience can soak in and experience the truly unique art within the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Tasteful Steampunk displays, moving sculptures, geometry, and robotic artworks would all have a place to be celebrated and appreciated. And all this can take place in a national hub of engineers and rocket scientists called the Rocket City.

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As a dad and as a professional in the trades, I’ve had an increasing burden about the upcoming generation of children and young adults. Parents and families are busier than ever and struggle to connect. Children, through no fault of their own, are often instructed in step-by-step processes and multiple safety nets for success but not challenged to work with their hands and minds creatively. Struggles and failures are seen as negatives to avoid rather than opportunities for growth and improvement. Ask any trade or business professional about the struggle to find young talent able to think and solve problems for him or herself.

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HMG, in cooperation with STEAM Rooms and the STEM Cell Family, can become a hub for community development, growth, and investment into our future as we also partner with research and development firms and local universities to help the next generation impact the world for good.