Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield has been working for several years with artist John Henry to create a sculpture garden on about 17 acres of Montague Park.
The park, which has been closed for almost a decade, backs up to Henry’s East Main Street gallery.
Henry, whose industrial artworks are displayed around the world, wants to create a sculpture garden that showcases his works and those of other sculptors.
He’s been negotiating with the city, seeking to create a nonprofit that would run a gift shop, advertise the sculpture park, hold events and possibly charge admission for them.
Under a current proposal, the city would lease him the land and facilities and provide maintenance, security, and insurance for the works of art. No lease payment is mentioned in the proposal.
