Downtown Chattanooga has an abundant array of city parks and greenspaces available with leisure activity options for every desire. Unique attractions, public art, large yards, fountains, trails, carousels, hills to slide down and areas of exploration await playmates throughout downtown and beyond. To find out more information about city parks, contact Public Works.
CITY CENTER
Miller Park recently finished a multi-million dollar renovation that will added a beautiful green lawn, animated pavilion and interactive rock outcropping along with a clear connection across MLK Boulevard to Miller Plaza.
This 26,000-square-foot River City Company owned and maintained park was built to compliment the adjacent Miller Park. In addition to the 5,600-square-foot enclosed Waterhouse Pavilion and massive outdoor performance stage, Miller Plaza is home to many outdoor events such as the annual Nightfall Concert Series and events within the pavilion, including many weddings and other private affairs due to its rental availability. Restaurants line the plaza, which also boasts two water features and serene outdoor seating areas.
Waterhouse Pavilion is available for rent for parties, receptions and other events.
NORTHSHORE
Opened in 1999, Coolidge Park is a 13-acre public park on the Northshore of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. The park includes a restored historic carousel, and interactive water feature, a multi-purpose pavilion, a canoe/kayak launch, a floating restaurant, curving walkways, green meadows and river overlooks. The park is nestled below the 112-year old Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge and is named in honor of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Charles Coolidge. More than 30 restaurants and shops surround the park, which is located adjacent to trendy Frazier Avenue.
NORTHSHORE
Renaissance Park is situated on a 23-acre site on the north shore of the Tennessee River across the Market Street Bridge from Chattanooga’s downtown business and tourism district. The park is built on land that is rich with Chattanooga history. The design of the park reflects this history while providing unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation. From grassy hills and lawns to picnic areas, nature trails and historic markers, Renaissance Park is one the jewels of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan. Read about its environmental and economic impact here.
RIVERFRONT
This unique four-acre plaza serves as the setting for the $45 million Tennessee Aquarium, linking it to the visitor’s center and surrounding development, as well as the Tennessee Riverwalk. Ross’s Landing Plaza includes a timeline of local history containing numerous artifacts and exhibits relating to Chattanooga’s rich cultural historical and geographical significance. The design team was mandated to hire both local and national artists to ensure that public art was a major component of the design. The designs help tell the story of the community’s evolution with artifacts and text depicting the Trail of Tears, Civil War and railroad heritage.
RIVERFRONT
The Tennessee Riverpark is a wonderful collection of picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing piers, river and stream overlooks, wetlands, rowing centers, public parking and restrooms along the southern shore of the Tennessee River.
Part of the Riverpark system, the Tennessee Riverwalk stretches along the southern shore of the Tennessee River for 13 miles. This linear park allows someone to bike, jog or walk from Ross’ Landing downtown to the Chickamauga Dam. See how to access the Riverwalk from Downtown by clicking here.
RIVERFRONT
NORTHSHORE & RIVERFRONT
The oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South, the more than 100-year-old Walnut Street Bridge was saved from demolition and renovated as a pedestrian bridge in 1993. Now visitors and locals enjoy safe passage across the Tennessee River from the Hunter Museum of American art over to the trendy north shore and back – as well as a prime view for holiday fireworks on the river.
SOUTHSIDE
SOUTHSIDE
Sanctuary Skate Park View in map
OUTSIDE
Chattanooga has constructed an ESPN regulation skatepark and outdoor in-line hockey arena on the Southside near Finley Stadium and First Tennessee Pavilion. The park features an on-site Pro Shop for skateboards, in-line skates, BMX gear and related equipment. Sanctuary provides a safe, secure and controlled venue for skate and BMX bike enthusiasts of all ages.