City officials don't plan on opening Montague Park this spring as previously expected, but the downtown park hasn't been forgotten.
According to new Chattanooga Director of Parks Glenn Sheppard, one of the park's three multi-purpose fields is nearly complete and officials are working to determine funding for the rest of the park, which is located at the corner of East 23rd and Polk streets.
"At this point, 90 percent of everything finished has come from volunteers and donations," said Sheppard. "Funding for the rest of the park has been requested. If we get that funding, it would allow all three fields to be completed."
The funding Sheppard said has been requested is part of the Chattanooga Parks and Recreation's annual budget proposal. The department made a presentation during ongoing budget hearings conducted by the Chattanooga City Council in preparation for final budget allocations that will heat up this spring.
"We will still try to work things out even if funding doesn't come through with the city," Sheppard said. "They have to prioritize with major projects and so do we."
He said opening one of the fields instead of all three might be an option, but the park would still need some type of restrooms before opening.
"If we can at least get toilet facilities and fields ready, we could open," he said. "We are hoping to open the park within the next year, but I'm not sure if it's feasible to have one of the fields open this summer."
One thing the community can take away from the project, Sheppard said, is the fact that there are opportunities for community involvement.
"This project shows the ability of the community to come together and meet needs," he said. "Look at this park starting from scratch. Whether it's volunteering or helping with donations or thinking of potential uses for the park with groups like rugby, ultimate soccer or other leagues, there is potential here."
According to Sheppard, the park has several needs, and anyone interested in contributing can contact him at Sheppard_g@chattanooga.gov.