Bennett : National Parks: A Sense of Place

From Orchard Knob to Signal Point, from Chickamauga Battlefield to Lookout Mountain, from Missionary Ridge to Moccasin Bend, this national park protects more than 9,000 acres of mountains, forests, fields and creeks. This natural landscape preserves the very ground that American Indians called home for 12,000 years, across which Cherokee families trudged on the Trail of Tears, and upon which American soldiers from 29 states shed their blood during the terrible struggle 150 years ago over the issues of liberty, equality and citizenship.

Consider the iconic view from Point Park, an image which Chattanooga and Hamilton County proudly display in their respective government seals. This panoramic picture — illustrating downtown cradled by the Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend — is more than a pleasing scene. It shows how our community and our national park are interconnected.

The National Park Service is collaborating with local governments, private businesses, philanthropic foundations and nonprofit partners to connect the park’s 100-mile trail system to the city’s expanding Riverwalk, from downtown to the foot of Lookout Mountain in St. Elmo and from the North Shore to the Gateway of Moccasin Bend. By connecting our neighborhoods to our national park, we strengthen our sense of place in both space and time. As we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, reflecting upon their hardships and hopes, we are inspired by their example to meet the challenges of today, and to create opportunities and a legacy for our descendants.

Beyond these values — recreational, educational and inspirational — our national park also provides great economic benefits. In 2013, nearly 906,000 park visitors spent over $55 million in local hotels, restaurants and other attractions — supporting 771 private-sector jobs. In 2014, park visitation increased 9 percent to nearly 1 million, growing the positive impact of our tourism industry.

In 2016, the National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary. As we prepare for this centennial, and a second century of stewardship, our goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and stewards. Toward this end, the National Park Foundation recently launched a campaign to encourage all Americans to Find Your Park, and Share Your Story.

The origins of virtually every national park and the very birth of the National Park Service itself relied upon individual champions who helped educate their fellow citizens about the importance of saving special places. The creation of the country’s first national military park is no exception, as Union and Confederate veterans overcame sectional differences to commemorate the sacrifices made across this landscape.

Today, this park still counts on active interest and involvement of the public, young and old. From junior rangers to senior citizens, we are fortunate to have the talents of more than 900 volunteers who contribute 13,000 hours of service annually. Others join one of our two support organizations, the Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and the Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park.

In 2003, the U.S. Congress affirmed the cooperation of local and state governments, American Indian tribes, private landowners and nonprofit partners by adding Moccasin Bend to the national park, preserving more than 750 acres for public benefit.

Since that time, many ideas have been suggested for new visitor experiences. I am encouraged that Chattanooga and Hamilton County remain in dialogue with the National Park Service and the Friends of Moccasin Bend on resolving the issue of the active law enforcement training range within the national park.

We are working together to find solutions that will enable connectivity between the newly opened Gateway site on Hamm Road and a planned riverfront trail toward one of Moccasin Bend’s premier future visitor destinations: the well-preserved Civil War gun emplacements atop the southern tip of Stringer’s Ridge that afford exceptional views of downtown Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain.

I am optimistic that community leaders will continue to collaborate and find mutually agreeable solutions as we continue the decades-long effort to preserve, protect and interpret Moccasin Bend for residents and visitors alike.

You will have an opportunity to help shape the future of Moccasin Bend this fall when the draft General Management Plan Amendment will be unveiled for public comment. Public meetings have been scheduled Oct. 20 in the national park on the Gateway site at 10 Hamm Road, and Oct. 22 on the North Shore. This is your chance to review alternatives, study maps, ask questions and make suggestions on future trails, facilities and visitor experiences in our national park.

In the meantime, enjoy a hike on the Blue Blazes Trail or take a stroll on the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road. Find Your Park, and Share Your Story.

Brad Bennett, superintendent of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, has worked for the National Park Service for 24 years. His park and project assignments have included Grand Canyon, the Santa Monica Mountains, Alaska, Hawaii Volcanoes and several Civil War and civil rights sites in Virginia, Alabama and Georgia.