The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) officially broke ground on Discovery Park on July 20 during the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, launching a major initiative to expand youth aviation education and family engagement at the world’s largest fly-in convention.
Scheduled to open in time for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2027, Discovery Park will become a permanent home for youth-focused aviation programming, conveniently located between Aviation Gateway Park and the EAA Blue Barn. The new facility is designed to provide age-appropriate educational experiences while allowing families to remain within the central AirVenture grounds.
“Discovery Park offers so many advantages for young people and families at AirVenture, especially as we’ve seen the popularity of KidVenture grow over the past 25 years, thanks to our volunteers and programming,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “This project creates an expanded, permanent home for AirVenture youth programming. It also gives more flexibility to feature the vintage aircraft in their true setting at Pioneer Airport, which has hosted KidVenture for the past two decades.”
The new complex will feature an expanded KidVenture area for younger aviation enthusiasts, a new TeenVenture space designed specifically for older youth, a dedicated home for EAA’s AeroEducate online aviation education platform, and retail space to support programming and visitors.
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August following the AirVenture convention. The project was designed by BlowfisH Architects of Ripon, Wisconsin, with Cardinal Construction of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin serving as the general contractor.
Discovery Park is being funded through a capital campaign supported by private donations. Four cornerstone gifts have already been pledged by the Tracy Forrest Foundation, True Blue Power, Dan and Keena Schwinn, and Bob and Susan Donahue.
“This effort fulfills the part of EAA’s mission to educate, inspire, and engage youth while promoting The Spirit of Aviation,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President for the EAA Aviation Foundation. “We have seen the difference that comes when young people are connected with the possibilities of flight, and Discovery Park will further enhance that engagement.”
The project represents EAA’s continued investment in developing the next generation of pilots, engineers, mechanics, and aviation professionals by creating an engaging, year-after-year destination for youth and families attending AirVenture.