Chattanooga Lauded as North America’s First National Park City

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Earlier this year, Chattanooga, TN, was named North America’s first National Park City – a recognition signaling a new era of growth, conservation and connection with the outdoors for the Scenic City. 

Chattanooga now joins London and Adelaide, Australia, as the third city in the world to earn this designation. Others, including Breda in the Netherlands and Glasgow in Scotland, are following similar paths. 

What Is a National Park City?

While not affiliated with the U.S. National Park Service, the title reflects an international grassroots movement launched by National Geographic explorer Daniel Raven-Ellison. The initiative brings people together to make their cities greener, healthier and wilder. 

For Chattanooga, this recognition reinforces the city’s commitment to strengthening the bond between people and nature. Throughout the process, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly painted a picture of Chattanooga as a “city in a park rather than a city with some parks in it.” 

“There aren’t many cities like us that have hiking within minutes of downtown,” says Brian Smith, marketing and communications director for Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors. “Our outdoors is one of our competitive advantages.” 

©Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht

Leading the Way 

The journey toward this milestone began in late 2023. Thousands of residents, local businesses, nonprofit leaders and community members helped shape a shared vision for what the designation could mean for the Scenic City. Nearly 6,000 people signed the charter, signaling broad support. 

A “journey book” was then compiled to document the efforts and leadership behind the movement. After a March site visit by the National Park City Foundation review team, Chattanooga was officially named North America’s first National Park City in April 2025. 

“This designation validates the work we do day in and day out, trying to provide open access to green spaces and recreational amenities,” says Robyn Carlton, CEO of Lookout Mountain Conservancy. 

More than 50 local organizations and nonprofits, and the City of Chattanooga, have supported Chattanooga’s effort to become North America’s first National Park City – and they will continue to play a vital role in advancing the city’s environmental and sustainability goals. These organizations exemplify the collaborative spirit behind the movement and serve as key stewards of the city’s natural future. 

Lookout Mountain Conservancy

Protecting Our Wild 

The Tennessee Aquarium, for example, has led fish rescue initiatives to protect native aquatic species, while the Chattanooga Zoo established a dedicated lab for researching the threatened hellbender salamander. 

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center has focused on reintroducing native plant species to restore local ecosystems. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust works to preserve the land and wildlife around one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks. Meanwhile, the Lookout Mountain Conservancy has taken a leadership role in sustainability, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility to care for and maintain Chattanooga’s expanding green spaces. 

Becoming a National Park City is just the first step in a new era of growth for Chattanooga. This designation invites individuals and organizations of all levels to get involved – whether by volunteering with participating groups or leading their own local initiatives. It signals to the world, including grant-makers and potential partners, that Chattanooga is serious about its future, and that grant dollars will be well spent here. 

“To be successful in endeavors like this, it takes a joint effort,” Carlton says. “We’ve set the bar high, so we can only go higher.” 

The recognition doesn’t just celebrate the city’s green spaces; it highlights the people and communities working together to make them thrive. The designation will ensure a plan of action is made and maintained as the city continues to grow, drawing in new residents, fostering economic development and reinforcing the city’s commitment to becoming greener, healthier and more connected. 

“It’s a great honor, but it’s not a stop,” Smith says. “This will hold us accountable to keep up the good work toward being a greener and healthier city.”