The design phase for the “Evolving our Riverfront Parks” project — an initiative that was introduced in 2023 to activate the area — is nearing its final draft.
Last summer, we shared how the original concepts would be refined into the framework, creating five “porches” along the Tennessee River. Since then, community partners + designers have collaborated, bringing a near-final plan to the table for residents to provide feedback on.
Notably, the original proposed “Memorial Porch” for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Veterans Memorial Park will be moved to the NorthShore area, providing a more quiet + reflective site for veterans and families. This will have its own planning process.
Let’s break down the other key updates of the overall site plan before you share your opinions.
Pro tip: Click “view larger image” under each portion on the website to zoom in on the details.
Renderings provided by River City Co.
Recreation Porch
Your input is needed to decide what will go under Highway 27 (beneath the Olgiati Bridge) — you might remember the trial run during SportSpot. The three options are:
- Adrenaline Zone with a pump track + climbing slope
- Flexible Games featuring a retractable netting system for flexible use
- Sport Courts where there would be a multi-sport court + pickleball court
Signature Play
This all-abilities playground will feature two zones, modeled after our aquatic friends:
- Tangerine Darter, ages 2-5 | Think: Slides, climbing trunks, climbing nets + balancing objects
- Eastern Box Turtle, ages 5-12 | Think: Balancing ropes, accessible net climbers, climbing walls, suspended crossways + slides
Landscaping + flexible spaces
- Planting Ribbon | Bringing shade trees, native plants + flowers to Ross’s Landing
- The Valley | Leveling out the hard edge below the Ross’s Landing stairs + creating a space for smaller events
- The Water’s Edge | Expanding the commercial dock for more boats + spaces for folks to sit and enjoy
Food + beverage
- Chestnut Street Restaurant | Full service, sit-down eatery overlooking the river + park — future plans to lease space to local business
- Pier Cafe | Grab + go options, shaded entrance to the pier, and public restrooms
Now that you have the basics, leave your comments for River City Co. now through Friday, April 11.
Your feedback will be taken directly to technical experts + a final design plan is projected to be complete by June, with the first phase of construction set for early 2026.
