Chattanooga Moves Forward with Plan to Create New Green Space and Protect Waterway in East Brainerd
(Photo courtesy Trust For Public Land)
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Chattanooga is taking a significant step toward expanding its green spaces in East Brainerd with plans to acquire approximately 15 acres of land behind local homes. The city will purchase this parcel from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) using a combination of federal and local funds, totaling $1.35 million.
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The land, characterized by grassy and lightly wooded areas along with a section of Mackey Branch Creek, is seen as an ideal location for a future passive park—similar in concept to Greenway Farms. Currently in the early stages of planning, the city aims to secure ownership of the property first before engaging with neighbors to determine its future use. A specific timeline for development has not yet been established.
Recognized as a much-needed addition to the neighborhood, East Brainerd has been identified as a park desert in the 2023 Parks and Outdoors Plan. The new green space is expected to offer residents a tranquil outdoor area, providing a peaceful alternative to existing parks and sports fields nearby. City Councilman Cody Harvey, who represents the district, supported the purchase, emphasizing its importance for the community’s recreational needs.
Funding for the project includes nearly half from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program that has supported Chattanooga’s park development for nearly six decades. The remaining funds are allocated from the city’s capital budget dedicated to acquiring park land. Harvey expressed relief that the project would help balance urban growth with green space preservation, highlighting its significance for the neighborhood’s quality of life.
The project also encompasses stream restoration efforts along Mackey Branch, which runs through the property. Experts from TPL have stressed the importance of maintaining water quality, particularly to protect native species like the rare Chickamauga Creek crayfish and the threatened snail darters that inhabit South Chickamauga Creek. Restoring Mackey Branch is also expected to mitigate local flooding issues during severe weather events, improving neighborhood resilience.
This initiative marks a noteworthy milestone in Chattanooga’s ongoing efforts to comply with federal conservation standards. The city recently regained eligibility for LWCF funding after a lengthy process that involved addressing past non-compliance issues related to earlier land sales. The recent award from the LWCF is the city’s first in over 15 years and is supporting projects such as the Provence Street Park and improvements at Booker T. Washington State Park.
Once the city reimburses TPL for the property, the land will be transferred for public passive use, reinforcing Chattanooga’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding water resources and providing accessible outdoor spaces for its residents. The protection of Mackey Branch continues a tradition of fostering public access to the region’s waterways, promoting both environmental health and community well-being.
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SOURCE: Chattamatters
