Walker County Schools officials unveil $800,000 planetarium

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

photo Walker County Schools Superintendent Melissa Mathis

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. - Walker County Schools officials unveiled a new 92-seat planetarium today at their science and technology center on Pond Springs Road.

Construction of the $800,000 planetarium was kicked off with a $50,000 NASA grant in 2005. It replaces a former planetarium the school system used from 1967 to 1998.

Although Walker County students will be the first priority, students from Alabama and Tennessee also will use the new planetarium, and officials expect to host 25,000 visitors each year.

"This is indeed a wonderful day, despite the tragedy in our community," school Superintendent Melissa Mathis said. "This is a positive step for the future."

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.