Tennessee unveils water education center project at Lone Oaks Farm in Hardeman County

A groundbreaking water education and training center is set to rise in Hardeman County, Tennessee, with construction slated to begin this October. The facility, known as the Wet Center, will be strategically located on Lone Oaks Farm, adjacent to Cove Creek Lake and the newly built 4-H and youth STEM center.

Designed to be a hub for hands-on learning, the Wet Center will feature a flood simulation facility, complete with two flumes for water flow experiments and a sandbox area for practical training. This innovative space aims to provide emergency personnel with realistic flood training scenarios, addressing the urgent need for such resources in light of recent flooding events across the state.

The center will consist of three wings dedicated to exhibits, water treatment, and education. The exhibit wing will host interactive demonstrations, while the education wing will include classrooms and a simulator room, allowing users to practice operating equipment in a virtual environment before engaging in real-world applications.

The facility's design emphasizes sustainability, featuring an open-air oculus to capture rainwater and a permeable floor to manage water flow. With a projected completion date in April 2027, the Wet Center promises to be a vital resource for water education and emergency preparedness in Tennessee.