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, Bob Corker, 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, Rob Healy was appointed Executive Director and went about the process of implementing the mission of Outdoor Chattanooga, including the planning and oversight of Outdoor Chattanooga's future building site at Renaissance Park.  Philip Grymes is the current director and continues the mission of promoting Chattanooga's outdoors.

Mission:
By promoting outdoor recreation as a signature lifestyle, Outdoor Chattanooga strives to increase tourism, bring new residents to the community, protect our natural resources, and enhance the health and well-being of citizens and visitors alike.