Funding and Partnerships drive Alton Park Connector
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – City leaders and community partners gathered over the weekend for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Phase One of the Alton Park Connector, a project aimed at improving access to outdoor spaces and connecting residents to the Chattanooga Riverwalk.
The City of Chattanooga partnered with the Trust for Public Land for the event, marking the beginning of construction on the first phase of the long-anticipated project.
Once complete, the Alton Park Connector will span 1.3 miles, providing safer walking and biking routes for the surrounding community.
Noel Durant, Associate Vice President for Tennessee State with the Trust for Public Land, says Phase One represents a major investment by the city.
“This is the city’s first phase that they are devoting capital construction funds to build,” Durant said. “It’s a critical link for the remainder of the Alton Park Connector, which will come in future phases.”
City officials say the connector will help close long-standing gaps in access to green spaces, particularly for neighborhoods that have historically been underserved.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly emphasized the importance of equitable outdoor access during the ceremony.
“Every neighborhood in Chattanooga deserves great outdoor spaces,” Kelly said. “The outdoors are really competitive, which is why we are the first National Park City. This Alton Park Connector will do exactly that, connect this historically disadvantaged neighborhood to the rest of Alton Park and beyond.”
During the planning process, the Trust for Public Land faced challenges related to grant funding, including delays connected to an Environmental Protection Agency grant tied to a larger project.
Despite those hurdles, organizers say collaboration kept the project moving forward.
“Because of our strong community and public partners and the alignment that we share, we’re able to keep moving forward and make this project happen,” Durant said.
Federal funding also played a role in bringing Phase One to fruition.
U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann says the project received $6.4 million through a community funding initiative.
“That funding was included in the fiscal year 2024 bill,” Fleischmann said. “We’re very pleased to see this come to fruition, and we’re proud to support neighborhoods all across Chattanooga.”
City leaders say additional phases of the Alton Park Connector are planned and will continue to build on this first step, ultimately creating a safer, more connected path between the neighborhood and the Riverwalk.
