Challenges to Chattanooga's Culture of Outdoor Activity

Economic Inequality: Access to outdoor activities often requires resources—like equipment and transportation—that can be costly and are often considered as non-essential investments by for families with limited resources. Declining public funding also hampers park maintenance and expansion.

Physical Inactivity: Increased technology use, especially among youth, reduces physical activity and weakens connections to nature, diminishing demand for outdoor spaces and conservation efforts. In the Southeast, higher rates of obesity and related health issues further complicate the ability to engage in and sustain physical activity.

Accessibility Barriers: Marginalized and underserved communities, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, and the aging population, face both social and physical barriers to accessing green spaces. Historically, during segregation and slavery, the outdoors became an intimidating and unwelcoming space for many people of color, and this fear has persisted across generations. Additionally, the unequal distribution of green spaces, which are often concentrated in affluent neighborhoods, and limited accessibility infrastructure, further restrict access for these communities.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures, frequent storms, and increased flooding threaten safe outdoor recreation and alter habitats, driving out native species while attracting invasive ones. In the Southeast, as with other areas of the world and country, we are seeing these impacts happen more frequently with higher intensity that in the past.

Urbanization: Rapid urban growth prioritizes housing and industrial development over green spaces, reducing local recreation options and impacting air quality, pollution, and habitats essential for outdoor activities and wildlife. Additionally, trails infrastructure lacks the resources to keep pace with increasing use from both anticipated significant growth of our local populations and visitors, resulting in overcrowded and poorly maintained trails.

Our Solution: Work across city community partners to provide education and entry level programming to locals and visitors to improve health, advocacy, and resources in our outdoor spaces. This commitment focuses on:

• Focuses on Multi-Generational Education in underserved communities through school-based initiatives, family outings, senior programming and entry-level activities which invite people to rebuild their connection and curiosity for our natural world as well as plan for how to be active in a changing climate.
• Allowing and encouraging the connection of technology and nature through apps and maps that encourage youth and adults to get excited about discovery, fun, and physical challenge in our public spaces.
• Supporting access to outdoor recreation through equipment lending programs, signage/marketing and transportation initiatives.
• Investing in Sustainable Maintenance through business, non-profit, and community partnerships with a goal to protect parks and trails for future generations.

By proactively implementing these solutions, Chattanooga can strengthen its outdoor culture, ensuring access, better health, and enjoyment for all residents across generations.