The National Park Service has announced $15 million in support of 69 projects in 63 parks, including $24,500 at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park to replace outdated entrance signs at 12 major areas of the national park in Georgia and Tennessee, and to build a new primary entrance sign designed for group photographs. The funding will be matched with $49,200 from the Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP.
Funding for the project is provided through the National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge Program to leverage partnerships to improve visitor services, support outreach to new audiences, and reinvigorate national parks while foraging connections with communities.
Congress provided $15 million for the Centennial Challenge projects, which will be matched by almost $33 million more from more than 90 park partners. The 69 projects total almost $48 million and are located at 63 parks in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and the U. S. Virgin Islands.
“As the National Park Service enters its centennial year in 2016, Congress and generous partners across the country are making exceptional investments to improve park facilities, enhance their accessibility and help more visitors, especially young people, discover our nation’s inspiring places and stories,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Superintendent Brad Bennett is pleased to be able to implement this project: “This private-public partnership project will help the park replace several damaged and outdated signs while providing a fresh welcome to the public during the 100th anniversary celebration of the National Park Service. With the support of the Friends, we invite local residents and visitors to discover and experience the many special places throughout this national park, from Chickamauga Battlefield to Lookout Mountain Battlefield, from Signal Point to Orchard Knob, and from Missionary Ridge to Moccasin Bend.”
Friends of the Park President Anthony Hodges said, "During the Centennial of the National Park Service, the Friends of the Park are pleased to assist with placing new signs at many of the units of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and to create a photo-worthy entrance in front of the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center."
President Hodges noted that this project is being funded through a generous gift from the estate of Shawn Johns who volunteered as a living historian in the national park for many years. Mr. Hodges continued, "Mr. Johns enjoyed sharing the stories of the soldiers who fought at Chickamauga and Chattanooga with visitors, and because of his gift, the Friends can assist the park in improving entrances to welcome the next generation of visitors."
"The signs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park have marked the way for visitors for many years. In this Centennial year visitors will truly be able to find their park and the many units associated throughout the area. In addition, a marquee sign will be produced and will serve as a great place to take photos as a lasting reminder of your park experience," officials said.
For more information about Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.