YES!
Prioritized using a highly researched matrix based on our principles to help most need first.
The first action is to designate existing city-owned land as protected park preserves. This included 560 city-owned acres. Where the City doesn’t already own land, we will work with willing owners, nonprofit partners, developers, and public infrastructure providers to pursue opportunities for future parks.
City council, through the annual budget process, will have the opportunity to consider funding opportunities using local funds. Staff will also aggressively work to find grants, donations, partnerships, and local philanthropy to accelerate and amply local spending
This doc is not a funding document. This a plan where funding will be addressed as the city takes on park needs with funding determined by city council and “above answer”.
This will be led by our 5 principles and grading system in the plan and guided by our Park and Outdoors Advisory committee’s engagement with residents.
The plan included a robust process of engagement that validates and supports existing initiatives that were already underway for park investment priorities. Such initiatives include, but are not necessarily limited to work being led for the One Riverfront plan, Broad Street Redesign, and Montague Park (as well as Moccasin Bend, Provence, University Greenway, Alton Park Connector, and other initiatives).
Yes, as funding becomes available. The Walnut street bridge is not part of the plan, however is being addressed as an important use of federal funds. Improvements to the north shore, the bend, riverwalk extension and more are part of the POP which will continue to boost the local economy and tourism in addition to elevating neighborhood and community parks.
Advises City Council and the Parks and Outdoors department on practices, investments and more, led by community engagement.
The plan creates a system of parks by classification such that all park types are prioritized – not one type over another. We are more focused on building great parks instead of devoting everything to the next best thing. This addresses the ability that ALL citizens can go to a quality park without having to travel or spend money.
The plan fundamentally looks first at neighborhoods we have historically under-invested.
Most communities maintain a current city-wide parks plan that is updated on five (or at most ten) year increments that identifies a systemic approach to system expansion, improvements and maintenance. Without a plan being refreshed or re-done for twenty-five years, the City has been operating without a defined and well-organized system for how to maintain and grow our park system.
That is a goal. When citizens have access to well loved and well maintained parks and recreation opportunities, we hope to achieve the goal of reducing the 30% of adults 18 and older that report NO leisure time or physical activity. We hope to help combat Hamilton County’s staggering numbers including 2 out of 3 adults are overweight, and ⅓ are sedentary. Reduce the 27% of high school students who are overweight and reduce the 75% of children who don’t get the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise. Great parks PROVE to combat these numbers while also combating our mental well-being.
Is this part of the Climate Action Plan?
No. However, with the preservation of green spaces, trees, and native vegetation, the POP will help provide what’s necessary for Chattanooga to be a healthy, liveable, and sustainable city.
- Repair and replacement at existing parks to fix water fountains, playgrounds, and park function needs. (use the 2-yr replacement schedule as a starting point while engaging with the Parks and Outdoor Commission to help vet so that our funds have the most impact.)
- Signage (digital and architectural) – this is because our engagement reinforced that people want better access to information.
- Elevate work on park and greenway design guidelines.
- Continue to pursue National Park City status
- Work to transfer city-owned land that has been identified as a fit for greenspaces
- Identify gaps in the Parks and Outdoors workforce to maintain our beautiful, loved parks and greenspaces.