On April 3, 2025, Chattanooga, Tennessee was recognized by the National Park City Foundation as the first National Park City in the United States. But if you’re like me, you probably didn’t hear about this, and probably don’t know what it means – so let’s dive in.

What is a National Park City?

The National Park City (NPC) concept is a relatively new initiative, first introduced in London in 2019. Despite its name, this program has nothing to do with the US National Park Service or anything else related to the Federal Government. Instead it is a designation managed by the National Park City Foundation, a London-based non-profit, to encourage and recognize cities that blend urban living with nature and that promote sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of residents. In pursuing the designation, city leaders encouraged residents to think about Chattanooga as a city that existed within a park, rather than as an urban space with parks in it. It’s a subtle difference, but one that pictures human activity as something that exists within nature rather than apart from it, while also recognizing the many wild spaces and wild species that continue to exist in and around the city boundaries.

Being designated as a National Park City means that a city commits to enhancing its green spaces, making them more accessible to residents, and working toward a more sustainable future. It encourages a community-driven approach to conservation, ensuring that nature thrives within the city, improving quality of life, promoting biodiversity, and fostering a deep connection between people and their environment. Ultimately, the goal is to make nature more than just an afterthought but a key part of urban planning and development.

Chattanooga is only the third such city in the world to be designated as a National Park City, and is by far the smallest. It joins London, England (2019) and Adelaide, Australia (2023) in holding the distinction. Breda, in the Netherlands, just became the 4th designee in late May, 2025.

Chattanooga’s New National Park City Status

Known for its picturesque location along the Tennessee River, surrounded by the Appalachian foothills and nestled between lush forests, Chattanooga has long been recognized for its outdoor attractions. Once suffering from high air pollution and perpetual haze, the community made a concerted effort beginning in the 1970s to focus on improved environmental stewardship and conservation. Today, the air is clear, and Chattanooga boasts over 100 parks and 35 miles of trails within city limits. It is home to landmarks like Lookout Mountain and a revitalized downtown along the Tennessee Riverwalk. National Park City status marks a significant milestone in Chattanooga’s ongoing commitment to integrating nature into urban life.

The designation comes after years of advocacy from community groups, urban planners, and environmental organizations, all of whom have been working to raise awareness about the importance of green spaces and nature in the city. Chattanooga’s scenic beauty and outdoor-centric lifestyle make it an ideal candidate for this innovative designation. The charter that city leaders presented to residents in 2023 focuses on seven specific ideals that are simple enough to repeat here:

• Unrivaled Access To Nature: Continuing Chattanooga’s legacy, we pledge to guarantee everyone, regardless of age, race, or background, the chance to explore nature’s wonders.
• A Culture Of Outdoor Activity: Embed outdoor recreation in every neighborhood for all to enjoy physical, emotional, and social benefits.
• Environmental Stewardship And Education: Lead with education and action to protect nature for future generations.
• Inclusive And Sustainable Development: Work to make our growth sustainable, ensuring equitable access to our natural treasures.
• Community And Cultural Enrichment: Integrate arts and culture with nature, with each other, celebrating Chattanooga’s diverse heritage.
• Food And Agriculture: Support sustainable practices for healthier communities and landscapes.
• Arts And Creativity: Showcase our Southern and historical traditions through local art, enriching our culture and landscapes.

The application process included development of a “Journey Book” outlining Chattanooga’s history and its commitments. In March, a team from the National Park City Foundation visited the city and agreed that those commitments are indeed built on a solid foundation, and bestowed the National Park City designation.

What Does Chattanooga’s National Park City Designation Mean?

For Chattanooga, becoming a National Park City is both a recognition of its progress and a challenge to do even more. So, what are the key implications of this designation for the city?

1. Guide Policy Decisions

Chattanooga’s National Park City status will likely encourage more sustainable practices throughout the city. This includes expanding green spaces, improving public transportation, and continuing to build out a network of bike and pedestrian-friendly areas. It also means focusing on making the city more eco-friendly through energy-efficient buildings, waste reduction, and water conservation initiatives.

2. Embracing Outdoor Life

One of the key promises of the National Park City initiative is increasing access to nature for everyone, regardless of their background or economic status. Chattanooga already boasts numerous parks, trails, and natural attractions, but this designation signals a renewed effort to connect every neighborhood to green spaces. Future development will prioritize green infrastructure that integrates parks, gardens, and natural features into urban areas.

3. Increased Community Engagement and Education

Becoming a National Park City isn’t just about physical green spaces—it’s also about building a culture of “human-first” environmental stewardship. This means engaging local communities in conservation efforts, environmental education, and volunteer opportunities. The city embraces a shared responsibility for environmental stewardship, including a commitment to educating residents about environmental issues, such as planting native species to support the biodiverse ecosystem. Chattanooga’s leadership in this area will likely serve as an example for other cities, demonstrating how to effectively involve citizens in the care and maintenance of their urban natural spaces.

4. Boosting Chattanooga’s Appeal as a Destination

As a National Park City, Chattanooga is likely to attract even more tourists who are interested in outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. Visitors come to the city for its natural beauty, but this new status will further elevate its reputation as a destination for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and other nature-based activities. As people increasingly seek to travel sustainably, Chattanooga’s combination of urban amenities and outdoor adventures is a unique selling point.

5. Opportunities for Economic Growth and Innovation

Chattanooga’s National Park City designation could spark innovation in sustainable urban development. It opens the door to new businesses and technologies focused on green infrastructure, conservation, and eco-tourism. The city’s emphasis on outdoor recreation and environmental well-being could also attract like-minded entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors looking to align with its eco-conscious values.

The Future of Chattanooga: A Blueprint for Urban Nature

Skeptics might look at Chattanooga’s initiative as an attempt to “green-wash” urban development, but this program is focused on setting real priorities around conservation while prioritizing people. By starting with the idea that the land and wildlife are essential parts of the urban landscape, planners are encouraged to reimagine the relationship between cities and the natural world. It sets a powerful precedent for other cities in the U.S. and around the globe to adopt similar practices—integrating nature into urban living, fostering sustainability, and prioritizing the health of both people and the planet.

As the first National Park City in the U.S., Chattanooga is now in a unique position to lead the way. Its commitment to blending nature and urban life will help pave the way for a future where cities are not only places of commerce and culture but also thriving ecosystems that prioritize the well-being of their residents and the environment.

For the people of Chattanooga, the National Park City designation is a powerful reminder that nature is not something separate from city life—it is a part of it. And as the city continues to evolve, the synergy between nature and urban living will define what it means to be a sustainable, vibrant, and truly livable city in the 21st century.

In short, Chattanooga’s future is looking greener, more sustainable, and full of exciting possibilities—and it all starts with nature.

Get Out There (and maybe visit Chattanooga!)

Sources, and other information:
- The National Park City Foundation
- Chattanooga National Park City Campaign Home Page
- "Chattanooga Becomes the First National Park City in North America", National Park City Foundation press release, Mark Cridge, April 3, 2005
- "America's First National Park City", Outside Magazine Online, Graham Averill, May 21, 2025
- "Chattanooga Just Became North America’s First National Park City. Here’s What That Means", Smithsonian Magazine, Sarah Kuta, April 23, 2025
- "It’s Official! Chattanooga Becomes the First National Park City in North America", chattanooga.gov Press Release, April 3, 2025