Our gorgeous city has recently achieved a remarkable distinction: it is now North America's first National Park City! This designation, awarded by the National Park City Foundation, "recognizes urban areas that integrate nature into the fabric of city life, promoting outdoor living, environmental stewardship, and cultural appreciation".
The path to this achievement was a community-driven effort that spanned several years. The campaign began with a vision to celebrate, elevate, and conserve the unique people, places, civic spirit, and cultures of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Valley. The National Park City charter was developed with input from over 75 community leaders. This charter outlined seven core commitments:
- Unrivaled Access to…