Excitement Grows in Chattanooga with the Opening of SportSpot
Chattanooga has officially kicked off an exciting new venture with the opening of SportSpot on September 6th! This initiative is transforming the Riverfront Parks into a vibrant recreational zone, and the community couldn’t be happier. On opening day alone, over 200 people gathered to enjoy activities like skating, biking, and the always-engaging game of pickleball. Family members cheered from the sidelines, making for a fun, supportive atmosphere!
A Place for Everyone to Play
Children as young as two years old took their first spins on the brand-new modular pump track. Parents expressed their delight, emphasizing the benefits of such a space. One enthusiastic parent shared, “My son always meets others on bikes. We love biking and ride all over the US. This is a cool concept!” It’s clear that SportSpot isn’t just a playground for kids; it’s a hub where local bikers of all ages can enjoy everything the space has to offer.
Community Impact
Feedback is flooding in already, and it’s overwhelmingly positive. Another participant added, “I love seeing places where we can do more sports and hobbies in the city. We need more!” These comments underscore the community’s desire for more recreational options and activities.
The transformation of the space has been accompanied by stunning colorful murals created by Little Things Lab and beautifully designed planters installed through a collaboration with the Barn Nursery. This revitalization aims to turn spaces that were once underused – like the previously vacant underpass – into lively, family-friendly areas. Emily Mack, President & CEO of River City Company, noted that “An underpass isn’t a place that you would typically want to go with your family. Now not only are we seeing people in a space that is normally empty, but they are also being active, getting exercise along with experiencing the mental health benefits through community connections.”
Upcoming Events and Activities
SportSpot is not just a one-off event; it’s here to stay–at least for a while! The offerings of pickleball, skating, and the pump track along with free equipment rentals will be available until September 21st. Then it will take a brief break for the IronMan event. But don’t worry because SportSpot is set to come back strong on October 4th, introducing exciting activities like 3 on 3 basketball, the pump track, and a roller-skating rink.
In addition to regular activities, the space will also host special workshops, such as “How to Pump”, a fantastic opportunity to learn how to navigate the pump track with the experts from White Oak Bicycle Co-Op on September 14th from 12 PM to 2 PM. There’s also “Rollin’ the River” planned for September 15th from 12 PM to 4 PM, where kids and adults alike can enjoy free skate rentals, courtesy of Dazey Skates.
Mark Your Calendars!
For anyone interested in checking out SportSpot, make sure to save the dates! The full schedule of events and activities can be easily found online. It’s a place where everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can engage in sports, connect with others, and just enjoy being outdoors.
As SportSpot continues to evolve, it promises to be a centerpiece of community engagement in Chattanooga. So grab your gear and get ready to roll–the Riverfront Parks have never been more alive!
