Chattanooga Invites Community Input to Reimagine Local Recreation Spaces

In The Know with Gino…

Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors Department has launched a new initiative to reshape and improve the city’s recreational offerings. Through its Comprehensive Recreation Program Plan, officials aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and modern network of parks, facilities, and programs that meet the evolving needs of residents.

To ensure community voices guide this effort, the city has opened multiple avenues for public engagement. Residents can participate in a quick five-question survey that asks about their favorite recreation facilities, recent participation in programs, and suggestions for improvements. An open-ended section also invites additional comments, giving residents the chance to share their ideas directly with planners.

In addition, the city has established an anonymous online discussion board where residents can post ideas and feedback. Early suggestions include requests for senior activity spaces, the addition of bike skills features like urban pump tracks, and concerns about park safety. Community members can support ideas they agree with by liking posts, fostering a collaborative dialogue on the platform.

For those more visually inclined, an interactive social map allows residents to pinpoint specific locations and add comments or suggestions. For example, one resident praised Heritage Park as a favorite spot with something for everyone, while another expressed interest in more sand volleyball courts downtown.

Notably, residents will have opportunities to share their thoughts at in-person sessions scheduled for June 2nd and 3rd at a couple of locations around the city, including Warner Park and Greenway Farm.

City officials emphasize that this collaborative approach aims to develop recreational spaces that are safe, accessible, and tailored to the diverse interests of Chattanooga residents. By actively involving the community, the Parks and Outdoors Department hopes to create a lasting legacy of recreation that enriches the lives of all who call Chattanooga home.

SOURCE: NOOGAtoday