Chattanooga becomes North America’s first National Park City
- Jake Nicholas
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has officially been recognized as the first National Park City in North America, marking a major milestone in the global movement to connect urban life with nature. The designation follows a rigorous peer review process coordinated by the National Park City Foundation, with support from Salzburg Global and World Urban Parks.
Once known in the 1970s as one of the most polluted cities in the United States, Chattanooga has undergone a remarkable transformation into a thriving outdoor destination and biodiversity hotspot. Building on decades of revitalization, the Chattanooga National Park City campaign galvanized support across the community, bringing together grassroots organizations, local businesses, the City of Chattanooga, and more than 5,000 citizens.
The city’s creative and comprehensive submission impressed reviewers with its ambitious vision for a greener, healthier, and more culturally rich future. The Charter for Chattanooga National Park City outlines a wide-ranging commitment to expanding access to nature, fostering a culture of outdoor activity, promoting environmental stewardship and education, supporting sustainable development, and enriching the community through food, arts, and creativity.
Recognition of Chattanooga’s new status follows a thorough review by an international panel, including representatives from World Urban Parks, Salzburg Global, the IUCN-WCPA, and the National Recreation and Parks Association. The accreditation is formally granted by the National Park City Foundation in partnership with these global organizations.
Chattanooga now joins London (2019) and Adelaide (2021) as one of only three cities worldwide to earn the National Park City designation, solidifying its place as a leader in urban sustainability and outdoor living.
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