City streets lined with trees. An interpretive center filled with Cherokee history. A new library branch that could be a model for an entire city.
Those are some visions for a newly revitalized Brainerd area, dreams that are closer to reality after Mayor Ron Littlefield signed off on part of the project during his recent State of the City address, officials said.
“The cemetery there is a jewel,” Mr. Littlefield said, “but we need to build a bigger footprint around it, build a bigger public space.”
Months ago, a visioning committee led by City Councilwoman Carol Berz unveiled a plan for revitalizing the Brainerd Mission, Brainerd Village and an area around the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on Lee Highway. The plans call for an expanded park around the Brainerd Mission, a historical interpretive center and a new library branch.
The plans also call for community gardens and a farmers’ market near the airport, an expansion of the South Chickamauga Greenway and more trees and overall green space in the area.