Chattanooga, Tennessee, has officially become North America’s first ever National Park City. The National Park City Foundation coordinated a comprehensive peer review process, with support from Salzburg Global and World Urban Parks, leading to this historic recognition.
A Remarkable Transformation
Chattanooga’s story is truly remarkable. Over the past few decades, the city transformed from one of the most polluted cities in the United States in the 1970s into an unrivalled outdoor destination and biodiversity hotspot. Moreover, the impressive campaign for Chattanooga National Park City has built on this powerful legacy of change.
Widespread Community Support
The campaign brought together widespread support from across the city. Dozens of grassroots and community-led organisations, the City of Chattanooga, and local businesses all got involved. In addition, over 5,000 citizens across the city endorsed the campaign, demonstrating the depth of community commitment behind the movement.
Alison Barnes, Trustee of the National Park City Foundation, said:
“During our peer review we saw first-hand the extraordinary breadth and depth of engagement with the Chattanooga National Park City vision informed by outstanding experts in design, ecology, culture and arts. National Park City status introduces a new chapter for a city with a long history of revitalisation and renewal through connecting its unique landscape and the history of its people.”
An Exciting and Creative Vision
Chattanooga delivered an exciting and exemplary vision for a greener, healthier, wilder, and culturally rich National Park City through their highly creative and engaging portfolio submission. The Charter for Chattanooga National Park City sets out clear plans to deliver unrivalled access to nature, a culture of outdoor activity, environmental stewardship, and education. It also covers inclusive and sustainable development, community and cultural enrichment, and improved support for food, agriculture, arts, and creativity.
Mark Cridge, Executive Director of the National Park City Foundation, said:
“It’s a huge honour to welcome Chattanooga as a full member of the National Park City movement. We’re excited to see how the city will use their new status to make Chattanooga a place where people and nature are better connected, and how they might inspire more cities to ask; what if our city was a National Park City?”
How Chattanooga Earned Its Status
A panel of experts led the peer review process, drawing on organisers from established and nominated National Park Cities. Invited experts from World Urban Parks, Salzburg Global, IUCN-WCPA, and the National Recreation and Parks Association also took part. Together, they reviewed the detailed plans and evidence that the Chattanooga National Park City campaign submitted. The National Park City Foundation formally grants recognition, in conjunction with World Urban Parks and Salzburg Global Seminar.
The Growing National Park City Family
Chattanooga is now the third city to achieve National Park City status, joining London (2019) and Adelaide (2021). As a result, the National Park City family continues to grow, with more cities around the world inspired to follow the same path.
