Chattanooga Moves Closer to Becoming a National Park City After Meeting with Review Board

Chattanooga’s push to become a National Park City gained significant momentum today as Mayor Tim Kelly met with the National Park City Peer Review Board at Miller Park.

The board praised Chattanooga for its unique combination of urban development and natural beauty, noting how the city’s diverse landscapes and vibrant outdoor spaces make it an ideal candidate for the designation. With its parks, trails, and natural assets, Chattanooga is quickly becoming a model of how cities can harmonize nature and urban living.

Mayor Tim Kelly shared his enthusiasm for the project, reflecting on the impact the National Park City concept could have on the city’s future. “When I first heard about the concept of a National Park City from Park Martin, it immediately struck me as a perfect fit for what Chattanooga is. This is really about strengthening the movement and becoming the best version of ourselves as a city. We’ve learned a tremendous amount in the process,” Kelly said.

Mark Cridge, Director of the National Park City Foundation, also expressed his excitement about Chattanooga’s potential. “From everything we’ve seen here in Chattanooga, we’re excited about how the city will embrace this opportunity. A National Park City is about sharing its unique spirit and story with as many people as possible,” Cridge remarked.

The board will finalize its recommendation in the coming weeks, and Chattanooga will soon find out whether it will be officially designated as a National Park City. The move would mark a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces and creating a more sustainable, nature-connected urban environment.