Park-based urban regeneration and tourism evolution in a cityscape: a case for Chattanooga-TN

Abstract The United States’ city of Chattanooga is endowed with abundant natural beauty including mountains, ridges and the Tennessee River. Historically the downtown area had little to offer in terms of tourist attractions and infrastructures until the early 1990s when a system of parks started developing along the river. The movement to create urban parks followed concerted environmental clean-up process after Chattanooga was declared America’s most polluted city in the late 1960s, and the subsequent collapse of the heavy manufacturing economy. However, no detailed study has been conducted to document evolution of tourism in the downtown. The aim of this study was to trace the growth and success of Chattanooga’s tourism. Thirty key informants were interviewed. Data was complemented by review of grey literature, analysis of archival records, and field visits. Interview data were sorted and analyzed using MAXQDA computer software. Findings show that investment in parks and green infrastructures were antecedents to emergence, growth and success of tourism in the city. Results also paint a bright future for Chattanooga’s tourism owing to continuous investment in parks and environmental improvement. Chattanooga lessons could be used to inform park-based urban revitalization and development of recreation amenities in cities going through similar challenges.