The Tennessee Riverwalk is one of the Scenic City’s best assets, and pretty soon, more Chattanoogans will have easy access to it. Enter: The Alton Park Connector.
What is it?
It’s a 2.6-mile trail that’ll connect South Chattanooga communities like Alton Park, Clifton Hills, and East Lake to the Riverwalk.
“The connector will help residents get to parks, schools, jobs, and essential services more safely and easily while opening doors for new economic activity and community investment,” said Mayor Tim Kelly.
What’s happening now?
Construction is underway after city officials and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) broke ground last month. Phase 1, connecting Broad Street and St. Elmo Avenue, is expected to wrap up this summer.
How’s Phase 1 being funded?
Construction for Phase 1 will be paid for with city funds and a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
What’s ahead?
Last May, the project had a setback when the EPA terminated a $20 million grant that would have helped complete the Alton Park Connector. City officials and the TPL say they’ll continue working together to secure funding that’ll bring this project to fruition.
