Parks and Recreation

NOOGAtoday | McDonald Farm
Parks and Recreation
McDonald Farm could become Tennessee’s newest state park
Gov. Bill Lee’s budget proposal includes $45 million to transform 1,300 acres in Hamilton and Rhea counties.
February 16, 2026 02:25 PM
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Dozens of cicadas sit on the branch of a tree
Travel and Outdoors
Prepare for the return of cicadas in Chattanooga
For the first time in 17 years, Eastern states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio + North Carolina will see the return of Brood XIV.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Overview of Downtown Chattanooga showing Coolidge Park and the trees that span toward the mountain
City
National Park City’s peer review board comes to Chattanooga
Get some insight on where the Scenic City is at in the process of becoming the nation’s first National Park City.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
NOOGA | Audubon Summer Camp
Culture
20+ summer camps for the kiddos in Chattanooga
It will be summertime before you know it — which means no school for the kids. Here are some local summer camps to check out.
February 19, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
People pulling into the water via kayaks
City
Help create the Chattanooga Comprehensive Recreation Program Plan
The City of Chattanooga + its Parks and Outdoors Department have opened a public survey to create a new plan for recreation.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A marshland showing water and trees
City
Help Loftis Middle School build The Marshland Project
The 8th graders of this Hixson school are leading a project to create outdoor learning that promotes conservation — join the efforts.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Overview of Downtown Chattanooga showing Coolidge Park and the trees that span toward the mountain
City
Chattanooga officially applies to be a National Park City
The city has completed a major step in the process of being recognized as the nation’s first-ever National Park City — let’s look at the journey.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Haley Bartlett
An aerial of a city's downtown area showing the streets and buildings
City
Weigh in on the draft of Plan Chattanooga
The City of Chattanooga has released the drafted vision of the first-ever citywide framework plan + you’re invited to provide feedback.
October 25, 2024
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A man looking at a map cut out of Audubon Mountain
City
Land trades lead to the expansion of the Cumberland Trail
Northern Hamilton County will soon have a longer trail system after a land swap at Audubon Mountain was initiated between Chattanooga Audubon Society + Tennessee State Parks.
October 9, 2024
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Moccasin Bend and the Tennessee River
City
Moccasin Bend preserved from proposed development
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recently declared that the state will not move forward to develop a proposed psychiatric facility on the state-owned land.
September 27, 2024
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Orange leaves covering the Walnut Street Bridge.
City
When to expect peak fall foliage in Chattanooga
October is going to be a colorful month in Hamilton County, and there are plenty of places to look at the leaves before they fall.
September 23, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Aerial view of a construction site for a baseball stadium near a river. The field is outlined but unfinished, surrounded by structures and floodlights.
City
Five Chattanooga projects expected to finish in 2026
From a new Southside stadium to a refreshed Walnut Street Bridge, these major projects are on track to wrap up this year.
January 14, 2026
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Two football players in blue Scenic City jerseys celebrate a touchdown. One holds the ball aloft joyfully, while a photographer captures the moment.
Football
Chattanooga Mocs release 2026 football schedule
A look at UTC’s home games and why fans should cheer this season.
January 13, 2026
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Sarah Dickson
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Culture
Your guide to the 2026 Lookout Wild Film Festival
This festival is back for another year, showcasing 100+ short and feature films that depict adventure and conservation.
January 12, 2026
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A group of people stand talking outside the Hamilton Justice Building. The scene is calm, with overcast weather and downtown buildings visible nearby.
Development
Hamilton County’s old jail could get a new life
Jailhouse Studios would bring film and music production to downtown Chattanooga.
January 9, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
Image shows two bridges with Coolidge Park green park space in the middle. Tennessee River is in the background.
City
Chattanooga lands top 10 spot on several national lists
From outdoor adventures to local eats and attractions, the Scenic City scored big in 2025.
January 8, 2026
 · 
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Textured glass with a salted rim and lime wedge sits on a coaster featuring a black fox design. It rests on a marble surface with warm lighting.
Food
Where to find tasty mocktails in Chattanooga
Whether you’re doing Dry January or just skipping the booze, these local spots have you covered.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Brianna Williams
A group of nine people wearing hard hats participate in a groundbreaking ceremony, smiling as they dig into grassy soil with shovels under a clear sky.
Parks and Recreation
New path to the Riverwalk coming to South Chattanooga
Work begins on Phase 1 of the 2.6-mile Alton Park Connector.
January 5, 2026
 · 
Sarah Dickson
NOOGAtoday | Kyle House Fitness
Culture
Focus on your fitness at these gyms and studios around Chattanooga
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Chattanooga.
January 2, 2026
 · 
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City
What our readers love about NOOGAtoday
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
January 2, 2026
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Sunset behind a bridge over calm water, casting golden reflections. Darkened skyline and clouds create a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
City
New Year’s resolutions from NOOGAtoday readers
Here’s what they’re hoping to accomplish in 2026.
December 30, 2025
 · 
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