Chattanooga unveils plan to add more parks to the city

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — For the first time this century, Chattanooga City Council is taking a look at a park plan. This could lead to more green space in the city.

Chattanooga currently has a park rating of C+. With the new park plan presented, that presents a hope for change.

“This is fixable, doable stuff. We are really optimistic we can get there,” said Parks Director Scott Martin.

Martin presented this new plan in which he expressed the need for this plan and why parks are important.

“65% of our community does not have a park close to their house,” Martin continued. “If we don’t build parks close to where people live, your park directors are going to end up showing up in here and asking for money to build this. And I don’t think I got appointed to this job to pave parking lots.”

After showing a picture of a parking lot, Martin later said that he listened to the community.

“Here’s what folks told us: they told us 62% of folks in this community use parks multiple times a month; that’s great. Not so great: 72% can only reach them by car. And then only 24% of them said they could use a park without a barrier,” Martin explained.

Many of the congressmen supported this plan. They congratulated Martin on his plan.

Jenny Hill, Vice Chair was emotional during the presentation.

“We build a Chattanooga for Chattanoogans who live here. And if we do that, it’s gonna be a great place for everyone to visit too,” Hill said. “And this plan, and with the passion that you bring to it… Let’s figure out how to fund this.”

This plan was presented in three stages. After the final stage is completed, Chattanooga would be at an A rating, with 90% of the community being close to a park.