Construction on the final phase of a trail that will connect White Oak Park to Stringer’s Ridge is underway. This phase of the White Oak Connector will improve a multiuse gravel path linking the two public parks.
“This effort has seen inspiring support from neighbors, local businesses, foundations and our construction partners,” says TPL Tennessee State Director Noel Durant. “We’re grateful to the City of Red Bank for making this trail possible.”
The White Oak Connector is the culmination of partnership that began more than a decade ago. In 2009, the TPL partnered with Red Bank and Chattanooga residents to envision a shared public space and permanently protect the 100-acre Stringer’s Ridge Park.
The one-mile corridor will complete the original footprint of Stringer’s Ridge and connect Red Bank’s largest park to one of the region’s most accessible urban forests and trail networks, says the TPL in a news release.
Construction on the White Oak Connector began in 2020 with a local partner, Southeast Conservation Corps, creating a single-track trail that leads from Stringer’s Ridge to White Oak Park. More than 700 Red Bank and Chattanooga residents will now live within a 10-minute walk from one of these parks.
The TPL is now spearheading the trail’s construction on city-owned property. The City of Red Bank assisted in assembling the property for the trail while private donations are funding its construction.
Tucker Build is managing the construction, which the TPL expects will last two months.
Upon its completion, the city of Red Bank will own the White Oak Connector and local trail organizations will help with its maintenance.
“Runners, bikers, walkers, hikers and the community in general will use the White Oak Connector,” says Red Bank City Manager Martin Granum. “It will provide a link from Red Bank into Chattanooga’s North Shore and provide a wonderful nature experience along the way.
“As a trail runner, I can’t wait to incorporate it into my Little Debbie Ironman training runs.”
Source: The Trust for Public Land