North America
Welcome to the National Park City movement in North America
With a total land mass of over 24 million square kilometres and diverse landscapes varying from the deserts of the Southwest and Great Basin regions to the volcanoes of Hawaii and the frozen tundras of the Canadian Arctic, there is much potential for better connecting people and nature through the National Park City movement.
We will be holding regular virtual briefings on The National Park City & North America so please do keep an eye on our social channels for more details.
Chattanooga national park city
The National Park City movement has made its first stride into North America with the news that Chattanooga in Tennessee became the continent’s first National Park City in 2025
Over the past few decades Chattanooga has been transformed from a former industrial hub, to an incredible outdoor destination, deeply connected to nature, with an active civil society and supportive city government, leading efforts to conserve and enhance biodiversity and make their city greener, healthier, and wilder..
Chattanooga’s efforts to champion the environment can be seen in everything from the reimagining of Montague Park and the Riverfront to clean water initiatives and land preservation efforts. Elsewhere citizen-led organisations have developed people and planet positive initiatives including community gardens and food forests, while city-driven wildlife restoration is on full display at sites including the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, and the Hellbender research lab at the Chattanooga Zoo.
The success of the above is rooted in strong multi-agency stakeholder collaboration with communities, not-for-profit organisations, research institutions, city government officials, and experts in design, ecology, culture and arts coming together to realise the Chattanooga National Park City vision.
10 Steps to turn your city into a National Park City
The Journey Book is our guide to joining the National Park City Family – a growing network of people striving to make our cities greener, healthier and fairer, all across the world.
There are 10 steps that we recommend you take. Following these steps and adapting them to your local situation, hopes and needs will help you get ready to submit an application to become an established National Park City.
The Universal Charter for National Park Cities
The Universal Charter for National Park Cities sets out the purpose, vision, spirit and goals of the National Park City movement. It was co-created by people from 50 countries around the world.
As part of the journey for your city in becoming a National Park City we’ll work with you to develop your own Charter that represents the unique and special qualities of your place and the ambition of your community.
Get in touch with the National Park City Foundation
Get In Touch
We’re here to guide cities through the process of becoming a National Park City. Contact us today to find out how to take the first step.
