WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID
Another high priority for the Area 3 community was parks and greenways. Area 3 is fortunate to have an existing system of parks, including national park units, greenways, and public and private school recreation fields. Prioritizing new parks is challenging when budgets are limited. Can access, programming and maintenance of existing parks be improved to fill community needs?
Natural Areas and Greenways
Area 3 includes natural areas along Missionary Ridge, Citico Creek, Billy Goat Hill, South Chickamauga Creek, and the Tennessee River. During public meetings, the Area 3 community expressed a need to better connect parks and open space to their neighborhoods. Greenways provide a way to do this.
Greenways are corridors of land recognized for their ability to connect people and places.
These ribbons of open space can be located along rivers and streams or abandoned railroad beds and utility corridors. Below are a few photo examples of parks and greenways.
Greenway Benefits:
- Increasing property values along the greenway
- Generating economic activity through rentals, restaurants, and lodging
- Improving bicycle and pedestrian connections
- Improving health through active living
- Reducing air pollution, improving water quality, and providing wildlife habitat
- Decreasing flood damage
- Enhancing cultural awareness and community identity
Source: www.greenways.com
Existing Public Parks and Recreation in Area 3
Major Parks in Area 3 include:
- Avondale Community Park & Rec Center
- Carver Park & Rec Center
- East Chattanooga Park & Rec Center
- Glenwood Park & Rec Center
- Highland Park Commons/Tatum Park
- Montague Park/Sculpture Fields
- Orchard Knob Park – NPS
- Ridgedale Safewalk
- Sherman Reservation – NPS
- South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
- Tennessee Riverpark
- Warner Park
- Watkins Street Park
Example Images
Parks provide community event space.
Community gardens provide healthy food options.
Greenways and canoe ramps provide access to creeks.
Greenways can include nature trails.
Parks within a 10-minute walk provide nearby recreation.
Open space and play fields offer versatility.
Parks can include a variety of uses.
Playgrounds can be neighborhood gathering spaces.
PARKS, GREENWAYS AND OPEN SPACE: CONCLUSION
Area 3 has several parks and greenways. Different amenities may be needed in some parks. Other parks may need to be better connected to the neighborhoods. New greenways can provide connections between residents and parks, jobs, shopping and schools, providing both green space and alternate transportation for some people.
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Questions?
Please contact Pam Glaser, Principal Planner, at pglaser@chattanooga.gov or call 423-643-5911.