Chattanooga Just Made History—But It’s Not What You Think

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has just made a bold move on the global stage by becoming the first city in the United States to be named a National Park City. It’s a recognition that places Chattanooga alongside just two other cities in the world—London, England, which became the first National Park City in 2019, and Adelaide, Australia, which followed in 2021. Rather than being a government-issued title, this is a grassroots designation that celebrates a city’s commitment to weaving nature, community, and civic pride into daily life.

Unlike national parks governed by the U.S. National Park Service, a National Park City is not a place with boundaries—it’s a mindset and a movement. The title reflects a collective decision by a city’s people and leaders to reimagine urban living as something more green, more connected, and more joyful. In Chattanooga’s case, the Chattanooga National Park City campaign has focused on uplifting the people, places, and civic spirit that make the city and the Tennessee River Valley so unique and irreplaceable.

This movement is guided by the Universal Charter for National Park Cities, a global framework that sets out shared values and goals for cities that want to live more harmoniously with nature. Clean air and water, thriving wildlife, walkable communities, accessible green spaces, public art, civic engagement, and overall well-being are at the heart of this mission. The charter was co-created by representatives from over 50 countries and continues to grow in influence.

By joining the ranks of London and Adelaide, Chattanooga signals its intention to lead a new kind of urban transformation—one rooted in community pride, sustainability, and a human-first approach to conservation. And Chattanooga isn’t alone in this vision. Other cities currently working toward National Park City status include Breda (Netherlands), Glasgow (Scotland), Southampton (UK), and Rotterdam (Netherlands). Each of these cities is building momentum through community-led action and shared responsibility, with the ultimate goal of making urban life better—for people, for nature, and for the generations yet to come.

For Chattanooga, this recognition is more than a title—it’s a celebration of what the city already is and a challenge to keep pushing forward. Known for its dramatic turnaround from a polluted industrial center to one of the most livable outdoor cities in America, Chattanooga has long embraced a blend of environmental innovation and community-driven progress. This new designation builds on that legacy.

Residents and visitors alike are now invited to “join the journey”—whether by volunteering, planting trees, creating public art, biking along the river, or simply appreciating the beauty that surrounds them. Every action contributes to a healthier, more connected Chattanooga.

Because in a National Park City, the entire city becomes the park—and everyone plays a part in making it thrive.