Southside Community Park

In 2017, the City of Chattanooga built the five-acre Southside Community Park in the Alton Park neighborhood. For many, it was the only park within a 10-minute walk, but due to funding limitations, this beautiful space was left bare. At TPL, we view parks as the sum of all their parts—from the facilities and amenities, to the processes and decisions used to design and maintain them, to the social bonds and cues that make us feel safe and welcome—and each are essential to create a space that will be well-used and well-loved.

But far too often, parks in communities of color are of lower quality and are less well maintained than parks in higher-income or white communities. Alton Park, where nearly 90 percent of residents are considered low-income and identity as Black or African American, has a deep history of environmental injustice, racial and economic disparities, and inequitable park access. Investments in their green spaces reflect and communicate the core values and goals of a community, which is why we worked with the community and City of Chattanooga to bring this space to life.

Through community engagement sessions, we listened to residents to identify the elements and experiences they wanted to see. Thanks to funding support from the L.L.Bean Community Award, their new play space includes a zip line, a whirling merry-go-round, and double swings, all in colors selected by the children who play there. This park fulfills a community dream of having a space that’s packed with play and promise. This formerly empty space now rings loud with children’s laughter, hosts family parties and picnics, and acts as a hub for community events.