City and county officials have broken ground at the former Charles A. Bell Elementary School site, kicking off construction that will turn a long-vacant site into a gathering place for the neighborhood.
The former school closed in 1989. An eyesore and potential safety concern, the county-owned structure was finally demolished in 2011. After the city took over the site in 2014, Alton Park neighborhood leaders along with Councilman Chris Anderson and the city’s Department of Economic & Community Development held a community engagement process to create a new green space.
City and county officials have announced plans for a quarter-mile walking path, a large open lawn for community activities, benches and a pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms and a drinking fountain.
Anderson, who represents District 7, in which Alton Park is located, has worked on the project since before he was on the City Council. “I’m thrilled we’re finally able to make this investment in Alton Park, and I will continue to work with area residents and leaders to bring about more projects that lift up this community,” says Anderson.
Mayor Berke allocated $1 million in capital funds in fiscal year 2015 to transform the site, and in December 2016, City Council approved a contract with P&C Construction, which is on-site moving earth and digging footers. After weather delays, construction began in late January and is expected to be complete this summer.
For more information, visit connect.chattanooga.gov/newpark.
Source: Office of Mayor Berke