“What about the skate park?”
That has been the million-dollar question ($3 million, to be exact) that has circulated throughout the skating community. Now, after the FY25 budget approval from the city, the Chattanooga Skate Park remodel is in motion, so let’s drop into the details.
For 25 years, the skate park at 1801 Reggie White Blvd. has been the city’s only dedicated space for skaters, and the journey for renovation has been a long one. Check out some headlines through the years:
The Chattanooga Skatepark Project picked up momentum in 2019 when the grassroots movement joined forces with the city. After a 10-year strategy report was created with the help of California Skateparks + community feedback, a whole new park is in store.
The Parks and Outdoors Department recently sat down with Lead Designer Jaxon Stazell to talk about the project. We’re skating over the highlights for you.
Layout
The remodel will create a 30,000-sqft skatepark with poured-in-place concrete + will have a new entrance from West 20th Street with access to the riverwalk and street parking.
Equipment
There will be skateable art sculptures throughout the park + a variety of riding terrains. Think: Flow and backyard bowls, rails, and skateable landscaping (aka planters and sidings). Everything is also protected by metal edging for sustainability.
Bonus: After feedback from residents, features from street skating have been adapted into the plans — even mimicking a railing and gap from outside of the Tennessee Aquarium.
Amenities
The park won’t just be for the skaters. The multi-use design features a dog park, green spaces, a music stage, an area for food trucks, and more. There will also be a skateable compontent of the new restroom facility.
Note: The hockey rink will remain as is.
The updated drawings will go out to bid for construction in the coming weeks with projects to break ground in the fall + be completed by winter 2025.
