The National Park City Foundation said, “Tell us your story.” Chattanooga did just that.
Chattanooga has submitted a narrative-based “journey book” to the NPCF as part of its bid to become North America’s first National Park City.
The NPCF is a London-based organization responsible for awarding the NPC designation. Chattanooga’s application include a comprehensive digital portfolio and addresses the 23 criteria required to achieve this status.
During the summer and fall of 2024, the city of Chattanooga collaborated with Little Things Lab, a Chattanooga-based creative firm, to craft a narrative-based online resource that captures 10,000 years of regional history.
“We wanted to break the mold,” says Brian Smith of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors. “There’s no city on Earth like Chattanooga, so why not have a journey book as original as the place it celebrates?”
The journey book is a digitized narrative of the people and places that define the region.
“It’s our story as a city in a park,” says Mayor Tim Kelly. “It’s a story of triumph, tragedy, resilience, hope and community. It’s also a story of the enduring lands, rivers and forests around us, as well as the everyday heroes who are working to protect it all.”
The journey book spans from the earliest inhabitants 10,000 years ago to current innovations. It highlights iconic landmarks like Rock City, Moccasin Bend and the Tennessee Aquarium and celebrates achievements such as the invention of the first bottled Coca-Cola, the development of the world’s fastest internet and the outdoor recreation scene.
The book also honors the city’s efforts to protect its sturgeon, red wolves and trail systems.
In addition, the journey book features key organizations and landmarks, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, River Gorge Trust, Barking Legs Theater and the Ed Johnson Memorial.
“Sharing our city’s story with the world was an honor and we approached it with creative seriousness,” says Teal Thibaud, founder of Little Things Lab. “Our team spent months listening to and searching for the most genuine, engaging and beautiful ways to tell Chattanooga’s story.”
The online journey book is available for the community to explore at www.chattanooganationalparkcity.org. The city plans to update the portfolio in the coming months.
“The journey book is an ongoing process,” says Smith. “It’s also an invitation. We welcome feedback and input to include as many people and groups as possible.”
The journey book weaves together video testimonials, photography, stories, histories and data. It’s divided into seven chapters, each of which focuses on one of the core commitments in Chattanooga’s National Park City charter.
“This initiative encompasses topics ranging from food and agriculture to outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship and community engagement,” says Haley Richardson Treadway, the University of Tennessee’s Agriculture & Natural Resources extension agent for Hamilton County. “It’s a holistic movement that’s uniting our city in a beautiful way.”
“Documenting the current efforts and future visions toward becoming a National Park City demonstrates Chattanooga’s commitment to creating a livable city for all,” says Tricia King Mims, executive director of National Park Partners. “The journey book process ensures a path forward with complementary, rather than isolated, initiatives.”
“The journey book can be a powerful tool for sharing the importance of this region,” says Dr. Anna George, vice president of conservation science and education at the Tennessee Aquarium. “It serves as a reminder to all of us that we have incredible natural treasures around us and we shouldn’t take those for granted.”
The path to the National Park City designation began in early 2024 and engaged thousands of citizens, nonprofit leaders and community champions. Through multiple public meetings, the city collected 5,500 signatures of support and developed a National Park City charter with seven core commitments.
In 2019, London became the world’s first National Park City, followed by Adelaide in 2021. The National Park City Foundation envisions 25 such cities worldwide by 2027, aiming to “make cities where people, places and nature are better connected.”