Nick Wilkinson, director of development for Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise

Chattanooga and Hamilton County officials on Friday announced the donation of a tract of land on East Third Street for development of a new community park and green space in the Glenwood Park neighborhood.

Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise joined with PlayCore, Artech and other area organizations to convert the empty lot into a new park, a news release stated.

Nick Wilkinson, director of development for CNE, credited a number of local officials for the land donation, including Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, City Councilman Peter Murphy, Hamilton County Commissioners Greg Beck and Warren Mackey.

"They recognized the opportunity to not only makeover a vacant lot, but invite a collaboration of community leaders and businesses to add more to the Glenwood neighborhood," Wilkinson said in a news release.

PlayCore gave the playground equipment, which features a triple-deck structure.

Volunteers are invited to help with the construction of the park, which will take place today. Help is needed with planting flowers, spreading mulch, assisting with playground equipment assembly and other tasks, the news release stated.

Representatives from CNE, the Young Professionals of Chattanooga and other organizations also will help put the finishing touches on Glenwood Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Volunteers can participate for any length of time to help make the park ready for play.

"This project is a success because it has invited collaboration from many local groups, including the donation from the city and county," Wilkinson said in the release. "Inviting volunteers from around the area provides an opportunity for people to transform a vacant lot into a brand-new park, and brings Chattanooga residents together for a common goal of service to their community."

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