Hamilton County announced the first round of projects slated for funding—pending County Commission approval—through its new grant matching program with small towns, designed to revitalize local parks and gathering spaces across the community.
Introduced by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp in this year’s State of the County address, the initiative provides up to $250,000 in county funding per municipality—matched by each participating town or city based on its population size—to support recreational improvements.
“Our small towns are to thank for much of the quality of life that Hamilton County is known for, and we’re proud to partner with them in the spirit of ‘doing the small things well,’” said Mayor Wamp.
“At the same time as we’re dreaming big with the revitalization of the Chattanooga Riverfront, the county is also investing into the parks and community assets that make each town and city in Hamilton County unique.”
Officials said, "County commissioners representing the municipalities submitting park improvement projects voiced strong support for the initiative, recognizing it as a meaningful way to collaborate with local communities, enhance quality of life and strengthen shared public spaces."
“This project is a great investment in a community space that has brought families together for generations,” said District 3 Commissioner Ken Smith, who represents the Lakesite area. “I’m proud to support Lakesite’s vision, to have played a role in helping secure approval of the grant award, and I’m excited to see this next phase of improvements move forward to benefit residents of all ages.”
“Partnering with our small municipalities through this new grant matching program is an awesome way to get big things done,” said District 11 Commissioner Joe Graham, who represents the Lookout Mountain area. “It’s a great example of how Hamilton County can support meaningful projects that bring communities together.”
“This program is a win for Soddy-Daisy,” said District 1 Commissioner Gene-O Shipley, who represents the Soddy-Daisy area. “It gives our community the chance to enhance a valuable public space with the County’s support behind it, and I’m glad to see us working together on improvements that will benefit local families for years to come.”
“Investing in parks, trails, and shared spaces in the Walden area of Signal Mountain will make a real difference for residents in my district,” said District 2 Commissioner Chip Baker, who represents the Walden area. “These upgrades will create safer, more inviting places that encourage outdoor recreation and strengthen community connections.”
Project Breakdown:
? City of Lakesite – Renovate the 60-year-old pool house at Lakesite Park to include ADA-compliant restrooms and changing rooms, a new concession area, and secure storage, following a successful pool renovation in 2024.
? Town of Lookout Mountain – Upgrade the Town Common, Navarre Pavillion and surrounding public areas with trail repairs, playground resurfacing, restroom updates and safety improvements to preserve key community gathering spaces.
? City of Soddy-Daisy – Expand Holly Park’s waterfront with a new dock, widening the boat ramp, adding a fish weigh-in station, ADA compliant-restrooms and gathering pavilion to support fishing tournaments and boost tourism.
? Town of Walden – Enhance local parks, trails and shared spaces through safety improvements, landscaping, public seating and signage upgrades to support community recreation and connectivity.
The County Commission is set to vote on the proposed funding for these projects at their meeting on July 16.
The second round of grant applications closes Aug. 31. Click here to apply.