Page 6 - Nov/Dec Vol34 No5
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CHATTANOOGA By Ben Nemec, P.E.
South Chickamauga Creek
Transformation
On April 9, local officials and key stake- mauga Creek by providing accessibil- raised approximately $2.6 million through
holders opened the newest one-mile route ity for recreation-oriented activities. It partnerships to make the latest section,
connecting South Chickamauga Creek proposed a linkage from the Tennessee Riverwalk Connector, possible.
Greenway to Chattanooga’s famed Tennes- River Park to Camp Jordan Park in East
see Riverwalk. The celebration included a Ridge. Currently, 9 miles of the proposed The Riverwalk Connector is a 1-mile
5K run and paddling trip for attendees to 12-mile greenway master plan has been section which opened to the public in
enjoy. This opening provides the 30,000 implemented. Completed sections include April. Now users of the Tennessee River-
residents that live within a 10-minute the Brainerd Levee Segment, Sterchi Farm walk have access to the more rustic South
walk an opportunity to experience all Segment and Riverwalk Connector, the Chickamauga Greenway. This section
types of recreation and enjoy the simple newest section. provided a critical connection between
sounds of nature so close to home. the 14-mile Tennessee River Park and the
The City of Chattanooga and the Trust existing 2.6-mile Sterchi Farm section
The long-term vision for greenways in for Public Land, with assistance from of the South Chickamauga Trail. A key
Chattanooga was to create a linear park Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, construction component for this section
system that would link sites throughout Inc., have participated in shaping the was the 190-foot bridge span, which was
the city with trails and greenways that South Chickamauga Creek Greenway delivered and set in place from a barge as
would be safe and accessible. The South through multiple phases of work over shown below.
Chickamauga Creek is a great example the last 20 years. The Trust for Public
of this vision. It caters to walkers, bikers, Land has assumed the leadership role to As the users travel along the cur-
runners, and paddlers, and as a result, support the City in making the final con- rent greenway, they encounter canoe
the trail has developed into a popular nections of the greenway system a reality. launches, two pedestrian bridges, three
destination for leisure and alternative Since 1994, the organization has worked railroad underpass crossings, and a series
transportation. with the City of Chattanooga, acquir- of elevated boardwalks to traverse the
ing land and easements to create a large difficult topography and environmen-
The master plan for the greenway was system of parks and greenways for the tal sensitive areas. The site is not only
developed in May 1996 for the intent of public to enjoy. The Trust for Public Land steeply sloped along the creek, but also
improving the resource of South Chicka- crosses low-lying, marshy floodplain. In
The Bridge: General Contractor, Wright Bros. Inc.,
installed the 190-foot bridge from barge due to
limited site access. Photo credit: TPL
6 TPW November/December 2016