Revamped Riverfront Area in Chattanooga to Include Trees, Enhanced Play Area, and Recreation
The Ross’s Landing and riverfront area, located across Riverfront Parkway from the Tennessee Aquarium and down from AT&T Field, has often been aesthetically pleasing to passersby and a popular place to visit for tourists. However, local residents of Chattanooga have often stayed away except during music events or major festivals. Now, city and county officials, along with the River City Company, are looking to change that with new plans for the riverfront area.
Upcoming Amenities
Among the new amenities scheduled to be built beginning in late 2025 are a heroes memorial, enhanced play areas, more trees and benches, a pavilion, a public restroom, and even recreation areas for sports. These changes highlight the city`s attempts to attract more residents by providing shade and places to relax over time. In addition to this, Mayor Tim Kelly stated that parks also help bring employment talent to the city.
Play Areas and Porches
Emily Mack, the president and CEO of the River City Company, discussed some of the expected amenities such as iconic and larger-than-life play structures for children, beautiful flowers, and comfortable seating. Along with these, the press release later sent out about the plans describes various “porches” in the remodeled spaces. They include a Memorial Porch, a Recreation Porch, an Everyday Porch, a Civic Porch, and a Cultural Porch.
Public Input and Development Plans
Mack said that public input from thousands helped shape the plan, asserting that what they are sharing is a direct reflection of what the residents said they wanted. River City began working with the Chattanooga Design Studio in 2023 to start implementing the ideas. Over the next year, work will be done on designing and engineering before starting construction after the last planned formal event at Ross’s Landing in November 2025.
Endorsements and Reflections
County Mayor Weston Wamp and several other personalities endorsed the plans and event, stressing the importance of drawing local families to the area. Wamp stated that Ross’s Landing was considered the crown jewel of the region, and it is about to become even better.
Busy Road Ahead
Scott Martin, Chattanooga Parks, and Outdoors administrator expressed excitement about the plans while emphasizing the need for effective execution, identifying the next steps in the planning process as the creation of design and engineering documents before construction could start by late 2025. They anticipate to cut the ribbon in 2026.
Forward Looking
The plan will hopefully reflect the community’s desires, with the guiding principles including honoring history, connecting district corridors, enhancing the ecology, providing shade and soft spaces, and using inspiration from a “southern porch” for the parks. Officials express gratitude to both Hamilton County and City leadership for placing funds in their 2025 budgets to support the work. Former Chattanooga mayor and River City Company representatives expressed confidence that the project would create a destination enjoyed by millions annually.
Chattanooga is poised to make significant strides to improve the Ross’s Landing and riverfront area, making it not just a popular destination for tourists, but a beloved spot for local residents as well.
