About Outdoor Chattanooga

Over the past decade, the Chattanooga region has gained a considerable reputation for its many outdoor activities and amenities, and for its environmental and conservation efforts. In May 2003, the Mayor of Chattanooga, initiated a citizen-based process that established a Strategic Plan for Outdoor Recreation in the Chattanooga Region. This comprehensive initiative was shaped during a region-wide planning effort (October 2003 - January 2004), in which well over 1,000 citizens participated, sharing their ideas and concerns in a series of public meetings and work sessions.

Outdoor Chattanooga was formed as a direct response to this initiative. It was established as a regional mechanism with facilities dedicated to the recreational use, education, and stewardship of the region's natural areas. In September, 2004, an executive director was appointed, and Outdoor Chattanooga went about the process of implementing its mission, including the planning and oversight of a new building in Coolidge Park, which opened at 200 River St. in March, 2009.  Philip Grymes is the current director and continues the mission of promoting Chattanooga's signature outdoor lifestyle.