The official start of summer is June 20, and this means more people will want to enjoy the scenic city.

The state has helped invest in our Riverfront Parks right here in Chattanooga.

The project is in the final stages of the design, with an estimated price tag of $54-million.

The Riverfront Parks will be able to continue to flourish for generations to come all with the thanks of the help of the recent contribution that was made of $15 million.

“Having come here when I was a kid and then bring my own kids and then now bring my grandkids, to watch the transformation of this city has been a remarkable thing,” says Tennessee State Governor Bill Lee at a thank-you event was hosted for his and the state delegation on May 5th.

With the help of Lee, $15 million is now included in the 2025-2026 budget to be used for both upkeep and updating the Riverfront Parks in Chattanooga. Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson says this decision was made after re-evaluating the state’s lack of history in helping our parks in 23 years.

“I looked back historically, the state really had not been involved at all in the twenty-three years ago when we first did this, and I thought it was something that the state ‘otta really engage itself in,” says Watson.

Watson describes the state delegation is strong and works well together. Members will be funding assistance for the project.

The state says their next project will include implementing more trees for shade, additional food and beverage options, a pier café, more lawn space, and a designated space for kids to play. The goal is to boost tourism and the economy.

“When there’s economic activity, the tax spaces increased, the services to the community are increased, and frankly, Chattanoogans benefit,” explains Lee.

Lee mentions tourists around the country want to travel to Chattanooga to visit and build their capital and businesses in our vibrant economy. He wants the space to be filled with more nature, walkability, and green spaces. He says the project will improve the nature of the space vastly. He reminds us the waterfront is part of Chattanooga’s history and DNA, and they want to build upon that to make it even more of what Chattanooga was originally like. Lee wants to prioritize parks because they provide a quality of life you cannot find anywhere else. He mentions when cities begin to recognize the value and leverage of history to create a better future, there is a lesson learned in doing so.

Chattanooga’s Director of Special Projects Ellis Smith says the money from the boost will fund the state budget which funds our schools. This is because sales tax funds the state. Mayor Weston Wamp emphasizes this important investment, and it will be used on an as-needed basis.

“The great cities of the world are known not for their newest toys or their newest initiatives, but for those icons that they’re communities have protected and preserved and continue to invest in so that they’re even better for the next generation,” says Wamp.

Wamp wants people to experience a time as incredible as the photos you see of the scenic city. The city has learned from its award-winning designs, but the upgrades are needed since the space is not as livable as it used to be and there are not enough shaded areas. He wants to recreate the experience of being more immersive and energized like it used to be.

Stay tuned for additional updates about the recent upgrades that are going to be made.