Chattanooga Hosts First-Ever Map-a-Thon for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Chattanooga Map-a-Thon: Join the Adventure!

Exciting news, Chattanooga! This Thursday, the beloved Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center will be buzzing with activity as the city hosts its first-ever Map-a-Thon. This all-day event invites outdoor lovers, explorers, and even those just curious about their community to come together from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a fun and collaborative mapping challenge.

What’s This All About?

With the goal of creating a comprehensive map of Chattanooga’s outdoor recreational amenities, the Map-a-Thon is an amazing opportunity to stitch together the rich tapestry of local knowledge that so many residents have. Often, information about outdoor activities can feel a bit scattered or tough to access. Well, not anymore! This mapping initiative aims to gather all that community wisdom to create a resource that everyone can use, making it much easier to find the perfect spot for your next adventure, whether it’s hiking, biking, or just relaxing in the park.

Why a Map-a-Thon?

Chattanooga’s urban landscape is constantly evolving, and having up-to-date maps is crucial not just for planning your weekend escapes, but also for effective navigation and emergency response. When you’re looking for the best trails or parks around, why should it be a scavenger hunt? The Map-a-Thon is your chance to make that hunt a whole lot simpler!

What to Expect

As you drop by the Philip Grymes Center throughout the day, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere filled with fellow outdoor enthusiasts eager to share their experiences. Participants will guide volunteer mappers to update key areas, verify existing information, and even add new data using user-friendly mapping tools. And don’t worry if you’re not a tech wizard or a mapping expert—training and resources will be on-site to help everyone contribute effectively!

Event Highlights

• Mapping and App Sessions: Dive right into mapping Chattanooga’s outdoor gems like trails, parks, and water access points.
• Learn to Map Station: New to mapping? No problem! There will be a special station to teach beginners the basics of using OpenStreetMap (OSM) and how to make your own contributions.
• Community Collaboration: Connect with local outdoor organizations and enthusiasts to share knowledge and create a valuable resource for everyone.
• Supporting National Park City Efforts: Imagine Chattanooga becoming a National Park City! This event aligns with that exciting initiative, encouraging more outdoor engagement and conservation.

A Resource for Everyone

Creating this map isn’t just a task—it’s a community project! This is about building a resource that benefits everyone and opens up access to the breathtaking natural beauty of Chattanooga. The maps created during the Map-a-Thon will be freely available for use on mobile apps and websites, ensuring that every resident and visitor can explore the fabulous outdoor offerings that our city has.

Get Involved!

Whether you’re a backcountry veteran or someone just looking to enjoy a picnic in the park, there’s a place for you at the Map-a-Thon! You can drop in any time throughout the day, lend your knowledge about local amenities, or just soak in the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, there will be a community presentation at 7 p.m., so you can see the fruits of your efforts and maybe even share some stories!

Chattanooga epitomizes the spirit of outdoor adventure, and the Map-a-Thon is a perfect opportunity to enhance our beloved city’s outdoors. Let’s come together to create the ultimate map for everyone at the Philip Grymes Center, 200 River Street, on September 19. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of fun, learning, and community spirit! Your adventure begins here!