T
he Trust for Public Land on Friday morning will begin installation of a 190-foot bridge that will connect the Riverpoint section of the Tennessee Riverwalk to the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway.
“There are thousands of people living in the area right around South Chickamauga Creek,” said Rick Wood, Tennessee director for The Trust for Public Land. “Opening this segment of the greenway will instantly expand their options for transportation and give them access to numerous parks within walking distance of their homes.”
The Trust for Public Land has worked with the city of Chattanooga since 1994 to acquire land and easements to create the large system of parks and greenways.
The southern portion winds along the South Chickamauga Creek corridor from Camp Jordan north to the Tennessee River. With paved paths and boardwalks that overlook forested creek banks, Wood said this scenic trail is perfect for walking, running, biking, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.
Construction of the boardwalk leading to both ends of the new bridge began in May, and the entire one-mile addition is scheduled to be completed this winter. It is one of the final segments needed to complete the entire 12-mile South Chickamauga Creek Greenway.
“This is another major link in the chain of greenways and blueways for which Chattanooga and the surrounding region are receiving national recognition,” said Bruz Clark, president of Lyndhurst Foundation, a major supporter of The Trust for Public Land. “It’s especially gratifying that one of Chattanooga’s neighbors in the 16-county Thrive 2055 region is the fabricator of the bridge.”
The bridge was constructed in Fort Payne, Ala., and delivered to the creek by barge. Constructed of high strength, low alloy weathering steel, it will develop a rust patina over time that will prevent further corrosion and reduce maintenance requirements.
Mr. Wood said the bridge and boardwalk were designed to create the least possible disturbance to the creek’s natural environment. Plants and trees removed during construction will be replanted by the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance using native species, and bat habitats are being replaced.
Officials said for the past 25 years the Alliance has worked to build partnerships with businesses located near the creek, including international coatings and chemicals manufacturer AkzoNobel.
The South Chickamauga Creek project is part of the company’s global “Human Cities” initiative geared toward connecting people and making cities come alive, said Donna Luketic, site manager of AkzoNobel’s Chattanooga facility. “AkzoNobel is excited to be part of this project that will unite our community and make the greenway more accessible for all.”
In addition to Lyndhurst Foundation and AkzoNobel, the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway connector project has received funding from neighboring manufacturer W. R. Grace & Company and from the Benwood Foundation.
“This segment will provide the critical link needed to connect the Riverwalk to the Hawthorne Trailhead,” said Kristy Huntley, program and financial officer for the Benwood Foundation. “The greenway provides public access to recreation and transportation for many neighborhoods, and The Trust for Public Land continues to play a critical role in ensuring that everyone has access to a public park in our community.”
Plans are in the works for a week-long celebration of the project in early spring. The festivities will include educational tours of the greenway for local students, a ticketed outdoor cocktail reception, and a free family festival.
More information about the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway project can be found at www.tpl.org/southchick.