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1st of Many new Urban Ecological Preseves!   

 

The City of Chattanooga has announced the preservation of a 27-acre forested oxbow along South Chickamauga Creek near Shallowford Road, including 1.3 miles of stream frontage. This effort is the first instance of implementing restrictive covenants on city-owned property, signed by Mayor Tim Kelly, ensuring the long-term protection of this vital natural habitat.

 

Aligned with the 2023 Parks and Outdoors Plan, this initiative focuses on protecting city-owned land that enhances geographic and natural features while promoting wildlife habitats and improving city-wide air and water quality. Mayor Kelly highlighted the significance of preserving undeveloped land in Chattanooga and emphasized the balance between urban development and conservation efforts, aiming to make Chattanooga the first National Park City in North America.

 

The preservation effort, which includes restrictive covenants, will protect the forested area as an urban ecology conservation site. Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors’ Natural Resources team will assess the site and develop a comprehensive management plan. This will involve best-management practices to protect existing resources, as per Resolution 30532.

 

Over 220 plant species and abundant wildlife have already been identified at the site.

 

The restrictive covenants cover protections for natural features, erosion control, vegetation and wildlife management, signage restrictions, prohibition of property subdivisions, dumping restrictions, and controlled development. Additionally, a new paddle access at Shallowford Road, facilitated by the Trust for Public Land, will eventually allow public access to the preserved area.

Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors celebrates this milestone in the city's conservation efforts, anticipating a positive impact on the community and environment.

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News Notes! 

 

  • Greenway Farm Dog Park remains closed this week as we continue to work on a new ADA concrete entrance. A bit of a delay due to more materials needing to be ordered. The bathrooms at the Greenway Farm Barn will start later this month and will need to close. 

  • Park Grand Openings/Celebrations! 
    *Note, these are brief descriptions with more thorough announcements to come!*
    1. Lupton Mills Meadow will open this Saturday at 10am. This is at the site of the former Lupton Mills that the city acquired and cleaned since 2019. Over last year we have continued to clean and cap the existing brownfield for a safe native meadow. The drought has impacted us, but we are planning a public opening this Saturday at 10am. 
    3. Ben Miller Park's grand re-opening with Hamilton County will happen on July 27th at 9am celebrating the new upgrades near St. Elmo. 
    4. Lynnbrook Park's grand opening will take place on July 27th at 10:30am just off Main Street. 

  • Great story about Chattanooga aiming to become a  National Park City from both the Times Free Press and Newschannel 9. More information at chattanooganationalparkcity.org. We are over 2,660 charter signatures with an aim to reach 5K by November. 

 

Activities in a Park
August Fitness

Updated Free Fitness Center Classes

 

We are proud to offer numerous classes and fitness opportunities to the public at our Chattanooga Fitness Center right next to the Chattanooga Zoo!  Attached is the new schedule for the rest of the summer. 
Our fitness center is open Monday - Friday from 9am - 7pm (Closed 1-2pm). 
For more information on the classes, reach out by calling 643-6600 or just stop by! 


Thai

FREE beginner Tai Chi Classes at Greenway Fram starting July 22nd
 

Join us for a fun, 4-week fitness program to build strength & balance.
Learn warm-up, cool down & basic movements taught by certified instructors.

Evidence-based to reduce arthritis symptoms and prevent falls.
Focuses on helping seniors stay active and healthy.
Must commit to attend ALL 8 sessions except for illness!

Sign up by calling 423-209-8560

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Silver Adventures in July! This week, Downtown Kayak Adventure.

 

For adults aged 50 and above,

This adventure takes you downtown on a kayak tour on the Tennessee River. Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beginner friendly tour of downtown Chattanooga on the Tennessee River. OC’s guide staff will provide basic kayak instruction and moving water safety, then lead a leisurely paddle from the north shore around landmarks such as Audubon Island/ Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bluff View Arts District, Ross’ Landing and downtown’s historic bridges. All equipment is provided including our stable 12 foot Wilderness Systems Pungo recreational kayaks.

Outdoor Chattanooga Calendar

Family-Fun-Day

More Outdoor Chattanooga Fun for July! 

 

Enjoy an afternoon of activity at Greenway Farm City Park with activities provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. Between the hours of 11am and 4pm, you can choose to embark on a 1 hour self guided canoe adventure, shoot archery, take a nature hike, play in the field, or just bring a picnic and relax.

Canoeing: Outdoor Chattanooga will provide all the equipment for you to paddle the creek at your own pace. (tandem canoes, PFD, paddle). Availability is first come, first served. Maximum weight per paddler is 250lbs. Recommended ages are 10 and up.
Archery: All ages can test their aim at the bullseye targets placed before an arrow resistant net. This program range is located next to the dog park. Outdoor Chattanooga staff will provide the instruction, guidance, and equipment for this activity. Available as a walk up activity.
Nature Hike: Individuals and families can seek adventure in a classic nature hike at the park. Take a leisurely stroll or head to the hills with suggested routes and a self guiding map. Ask for a scavenger hunt list for some extra fun.
Field Play:  Disc Golf baskets will be set up. Borrow discs from staff at the check in table (at archery range).
A liability release form will be required for activity participation.

Blue and Yellow Gradient Cute Playful Summer Music Festival Flyer

Music and Dance on the River for youth. FREE, July 24th

Join us for Music and Dance on the River!  We've got an exciting lineup: music, dancing, talent show, special guest artist, and DJ Sterl the Pearl spinning all your favorite tunes. Calling all talented kids —showcase your skills on our stage! 
We've also got lawn games, a dunk tank, face painting, a photo booth, free popcorn and Kona Ice, plus a water station to keep cool. Bring swim attire and towels for splashing around in the Coolidge Park water fountains! 
Camps and groups, bring your own lunches for everyone, and food trucks will be available if you're hungry for more. 
Let's make this a day to remember—Chattanooga Clubs and camps, you're our special guests! 
 Date: July 24th
 Time: 10am - 3pm
 Location: Coolidge Park
 Admission: FREE (Transportation not provided)
Drop a comment if you're interested in joining the talent show or for more details. Email Kim at kbattle@chattanooga.gov
 

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Chattanooga River Games

 

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime as Chattanooga gears up to host the Chattanooga River Games, a groundbreaking FREE, three-day extreme sports music festival set to take place from July 26th – 28th. This exhilarating event aims to bring together the best outdoor adventure sports and electrifying music, creating an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
 
The Chattanooga River Games will feature various extreme sports, including:
-Døds diving/tramp diving/high diving
-Slacklining, Highlining, Trick Lining
-Wakesurfing
-Kayaking
-Rock climbing
-Ramp jam (into water) for skateboard/bike/rollerblades/rollerskates
 
Extreme Sports Competitions: Watch top athletes worldwide compete in high-energy events across various disciplines. From the gravity-defying tricks of High Diving and Skateboarding to the breathtaking precision kayaking, wake surfing, and highliners, the Chattanooga River Games will showcase the pinnacle of extreme sports talent.
Live Music Performances: Enjoy an eclectic mix of live music performances from local and international artists, providing the perfect soundtrack to high-octane activities. The festival will feature genres ranging from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Chattanooga River Games is an inclusive event with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy interactive workshops, kid-friendly sports demonstrations, and a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors.

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Dive In Movie at Warner Park Pool! 
Saturday, July 27th at 8pm


Join us starting at 8pm for a FREE Dive-in movie at Warner Park featuring floats, a huge screen and showing the movie Herbie Goes Bannans, a fun movie for families! The pool will be open for the first 300 guests. Nonswimmers can bring chairs and blankets to sit on. 

Located next to the Chattanooga Zoo. 
 

Our Native Fields and pollinator gardens in Chattanooga (2)

Our Pollinator Gardens

 

Our Natural Resources crew has been working hard to establish pollinator and rain gardens around town. Check out the list of the ones going strong, with more planned to be added. 
  • DRC: Bed near boulders
  • East Lake Park
  • Greenway Farm Entrance
  • Hawthorne Trailhead of South Chick Greenway
  • Heritage Park entrance and behind dog park
  • Jefferson Park Understory pollinator garden.
  • Main Terrain Understory pollinator garden.
  • Miller Park Beds along Market St and at the pavilion
  • South Chattanooga Center front of building
  • Southside Community Park around the pavilion
  • S-walk by the Hunter Museum
  • Tacoa Park at the front entrance sign
  • Scramble at piece off 1st street
  • Spears Ave track/Stringer’s Ridge
  • Renaissance Park
  • 4th St and Market Street medians
  • Numerous spots along RiverPark

 

Rain gardens:

  • Warner Park
  • John A Patten Park
  • Renaissance parking lot
  • Multiple fire stations
  • Anderson Ave

 

Meadows:

  • Sterchi
  • Heritage Park
  • Lupton City (opening this Saturday)


 

Book Tee Time at Brainerd/Brown Acres
Summer Pool Schedules
Outdoor Chattanooga Calendar and Registration
Volunteer Opportunities with Chattanooga Park Stewards
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Jobs
Tennis and Pickleball Info
Chatt. Fitness Center Schedule/FREE Classes
Therapeutic Recreation Programs

Save the Dates and More! 

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    SHOUT OUTS!

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    Be Nice to Bugs day at Jack Benson Heritage Park was a blast this past Sunday. Dozens of youth and families came out to see the creepy/crawling bugs of our area! Thanks to our Natural Resources Team, Stormwater Division and Outdoor Chattanooga! 

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    Warner Park not only serves thousands for swimming and summer fun, but also for swim lessons, and pictured, firefighter training! Recently our new CFD cadets worked on water safety training. Thrilled to be able to offer! 

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    Thank you to the THOUSANDS who attended Pops on the River. Special thanks to our sponsors, Chattanooga Presents, and Hamilton County. WOW, what a return! 

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    Just recently, we hosted the Dizzy Dean Championships at Warner Park followed by numerous softball tournaments. Big thank you to our staff for providing the excellent spaces these tournaments WANT to come to! 

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    Was an honor to once again host the annual Firecracker Invitational at Brainerd Golf Course. This event features several female teams from all over!  

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    Everyone stay cool out there. 

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    Stay Connected! www.chattanooga.gov/parks

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    City of Chattanooga, 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404

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