Chattanooga Is Now North America's First National Park City

Forbes

29-04-2025

Chattanooga has been recognized by the National Park City Foundation as North America's first ... More National Park City.
At one point in time, Chattanooga was referred to by a federal government agency as the 'dirtiest city in America.' Now this southeastern Tennessee destination has been designated as North America's first National Park City.
Given this title by the National Park City Foundation in April, Chattanooga's pathway to accreditation began nearly two years ago.
It had started with the collective voices of the city's residents, community leaders, business owners and nonprofit partners. Through a series of public meetings, more than 5,600 signatures were gathered in advocating for a National Park City charter.
In November 2024, Chattanooga's paperwork was submitted to the National Park City Foundation. Referred to as a 'Journey Book,' this documentation provided examples of Chattanooga matching the foundation's 10 recommended steps in the accreditation process. Overall, the Journey Book provided a visual snapshot of this collective work happening citywide.
Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District is among other examples of the Tennessee city's commitment to ... More outdoor and cultural offerings.
This past March, the foundation's review team traveled to Chattanooga to experience the city's parks, wildlife sanctuaries and urban landscapes firsthand. The team also meet those who were propelling this movement forward.
In early April, city officials received the good news that their hard work and diligence had paid off.
'A National Park City is a global recognition given to cities that commit to making life greener, healthier, wilder, and culturally rich,' explained Brian Smith, Chattanooga National Park City director, Department of Parks and Outdoors, City of Chattanooga. 'It applies the spirit of national parks to the urban environment—encouraging access to the outdoors, sustainability, and community wellbeing.'
Chattanooga is now the London-based foundation's third National Park City and its first in the United States. London became the first city to receive this designation in 2019 and then Adelaide in 2021.
Chattanooga's Renaissance Park is one of the city's many outdoor spots.
'We've used the National Park City movement to encourage folks to think about Chattanooga as a city in a park rather than a city with some parks,' said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly in a media statement. 'The outdoors is our competitive advantage; it's at the heart of our revitalization story as well as the core of our identity. We've always known how special Chattanooga's connection to the outdoors is, and now it'll be recognized around the world.'
Chattanooga contains a major trail system featuring Sterchi Farm, among other sites.
In pursuing this distinction, Smith explained that the idea of Chattanooga becoming a National Park City was a natural fit. This moniker is not only is a point of pride; it also offers a competitive advantage.
"With its rich blend of outdoor activities, historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and vibrant culture, Chattanooga reflects many of the best qualities found across the United States—all in one place,' stated Smith. 'This recognition also highlights the incredible access residents have to nature, culture, and community experiences right in their backyard and for those visiting.'
Finding nature in or near Chattanooga is easy to do. Options can range from the 13-mile Riverwalk that runs along the Tennessee River to many hiking spots including Stringers Ridge in North Chattanooga.
There's also a massive trail system and more than 200 pieces of outdoor public art. Much can be done within Chattanooga or its immediate surrounding area. Visitors can learn more through the Chattanooga National Park City calendar.
Smith added that Chattanooga's National Park City designation serves as a strong marketing tool.
"As we move forward, we expect the National Park City designation to become a core
part of how we promote the city to visitors," he said. 'It's not just a title—it's a brand marker. And in a crowded travel market, it's the kind of recognition that helps us stand out.'