Chattanooga Becomes First National Park City in North America

Having become the first National Park City in North America, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, has created history. Following a rigorous peer review process, supported by worldwide organisations including Salzburg Global and World Urban Parks, the National Park City Foundation gave this award. The decision highlights how towns may include nature, culture, and community wellness into their development plans, therefore signifying a major milestone in urban environmental initiatives. 

Historically, Chattanooga has struggled with significant environmental issues; in the 1970s, when it was rated among the most polluted cities in the United States, especially, But the city has changed over time into a top location for biodiversity and outdoor activities. Its designation as a National Park City honors many years of effort to create a more liveable and sustainable city environment. 

Multiple stakeholders backed the community-led effort to get this level. The project included over 5,000 people, neighborhood companies, city officials, and grass roots organizations. The city's portfolio for the application presented plans to increase access to nature, preserve the local ecosystem, and advance outdoor culture and inclusive development. The submission also underlined projects for environmental education and initiatives to improve local art, food systems, and cultural heritage. 

The Charter for Chattanooga National Park City outlines the environmental objectives the municipality will pursue in the future. Improving everyone's access to nature, promoting active lifestyles, defending natural environments, and launching educational initiatives on conservation and sustainability are among main obligations. The charter also revolves on community welfare, cultural celebration, and sensible urban planning. 

Various groups' experts took part in the evaluation procedure. These included representatives from the National Recreation and Parks Association, Salzburg Global, the World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They evaluated Chattanoogas application's thorough plans and local participation offered. 

First presented in London, the National Park City idea became the first officially certified city of this kind in 2019. Adelaide, Australia followed in 2021. With Chattanoogas inclusion, it becomes the third globally to earn the title. Recently, Breda in the Netherlands was also acknowledged as the fourth city in the world to get this designation. 

Encouraging cities to give green spaces, clean air and water, and stronger human-nature ties top priority, the movement aims to reframe urban living. Dozens of other cities, including Rotterdam, Glasgow, and Southampton, are working towards joining the National Park City network in the coming years. 

Working with global groups, the National Park City Foundation acts as the accrediting authority and helps cities through the process of recognition. Other cities trying to strike development with environmental consciousness are looking at the Chattanooga achievement as a model. 

This milestone shows that cities can strive for both sustainability and financial expansion. Through long-term environmental targets, inclusive involvement, and planning, urban areas can grow to be places where people and nature coexist and flourish. 

Source: 
Nature / North America's published on July 24, 2025 Cyrene Oraya Reyes 
Photographic Credits: Sarah Swainson, Unsplash