Glenwood Neighborhood Association is planning a green space that will provide a natural haven for residents and a playground for neighborhood youth.
"Glenwood is a pretty unique neighborhood as far as our being very proactive," said community resident and Glenwood Neighborhood Association president Ricardo Morris. "The idea is that this won't be a city or county project, but that they will deed the property over to us at some point."
The new park, which has not yet been named, will combine two empty lots located on Third Street across from New City Church into one green space. The city of Chattanooga has approved the proposal to deed the property to Glenwood Neighborhood Association, but approval is still pending from Hamilton County. The two lots are less than one acre combined, but Morris said there will be ample space for a new playground, benches and perhaps a walking path.
"We are working with Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprises about development and design," he said. "The playground equipment is being donated by CNE with volunteer work for landscape design as well, and CNE is raising some money as an organization to help us maintain it over a five-year period."
In addition to efforts by CNE, Morris expects members of the Glenwood community to help clear the property, plant trees and flowers for landscaping and prepare for the new playground that will be installed by PlayCore. Glenwood already has one small green space, Jewel Park, which is used for picnics and walking, but has no benches or amenities. The care of Jewel Park is funded by Glenwood Neighborhood Association's membership dues.
Morris said he sees the new park as being an even more popular spot for residents of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.
"I think we are definitely on the right track," Morris said. "Diversity is really what we pride ourselves on. With our neighborhood so close to our city's center, we see a trend of people moving from suburb to the downtown area. People are trying to live more urban and we think that will add to the growth and diversity in Glenwood."