Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Advisory Comittee

March 2024 minutes 
April 2024 minutes
May 2024 minutes 
June 2024 minutes

In March of 2024, Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors hosted the first-ever Parks and Outdoors Advisory Committee. 

The Parks & Outdoors Advisory Committee will provide enhanced resident engagement in the city’s park system, informing management activities such as park maintenance and planning, recreation programming, fee structures, and expanding access to parks, outdoor and recreation resources, and help the City expand collaborative relationships with partners, donors, volunteers, and residents.

The appointment of this committee was one of the key recommendations of the 2023 Parks and Outdoors Plan (POP), which the City Council adopted unanimously in 2023. The Committee will also provide leadership to help Chattanooga become the first National Park City in North America.

The 15-member committee’s membership was selected from over 180 applicants. Nine of the members were appointed by City Council members by district, and six members were appointed by Mayor Tim Kelly. The Mayor’s appointments include a youth member under the age of 21.

"Chattanooga is known for its parks and outdoors, but we can't just rely on our reputation. We have to keep improving, and this group of 15 volunteer public servants will be crucial to our work," said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. "The Park Advisory Committee will bring together our city's diverse communities to make our parks and outdoor assets the best in America and implement our Parks and Outdoors Plan. With their help, Chattanooga will become America’s First National Park City.”

Below are the Advisory Committee members. 

Mayoral Appointees: 

Linda Moss Mines (Chair) 
Why serve? "I am a parks gal and so many of my fondest memories are of days spent in national, state and local parks! When my daughter was young, we often spent a month each summer camping across the US and Canada; those memories are priceless. Having toes in the grass and soil grounds humans and we’re free to explore, dream, connect and grow. Everyone needs a special space - - safe and stimulating - - in their community."

Stephen Culp
Why serve? "Parks are a great example of what you might call the “bounty of the commons” (...the opposite of the tragedy of the commons) - where the value of every existing and contributed resource is multiplied by, and shared with, thousands of Chattanoogans."

 
Erika Roberts
Why serve? "I'm a Black woman & I go to parks. Historically, Black people weren't allowed in them ultimately building a narrative of not feeling wanted in those spaces. I want to help change that mindset. I'm filling this form out FROM A PARK."

Dreama Campbell
Why? "My love for Chattanooga and making it more outdoor-friendly."

Meghan Ploch
Why serve? "I was inspired to serve on the Parks and Outdoor Commission to contribute and advocate for my community’s well-being, growth, and conservation initiatives. As someone who passionately embraces outdoor recreation—whether paddling, climbing, biking, or hiking—I am frequently immersed in nature. This personal connection to outdoor activities and conservation forms the foundation of my aspiration to actively shape policies and initiatives that address the evolving needs of our rapidly growing city."

Mayoral Youth Appointee: Lillie Barrie
Why serve? "I am passionate about citizen and youth participation in government, as well as access to parks for all! I am interested in learning about Chattanooga city government from the inside through this experience, and contributing a youth perspective to our conversations, deliberations, and decisions!" 

District 1 
Robert Geier
Why serve? "Watching careless high-density development over the last ten years erode scenic locations and sprawl away from the city. Our planning process needs to include open park space.

District 2
Anna Hall
Why serve? "I am most excited about strengthening existing and new opportunities for children to access parks and outdoor activities safely and easily. I believe that safe and easy access to the outdoors for kids is an absolute imperative for any community to thrive."

District 3
Terri Lee
Why serve? "I love the parks in this city. There is something sacred about these spaces and I want to be a part of it. Serving our community in a way that fosters a love for the outdoors fills my cup."

District 4
Paul Darr
Why? "The inspiring part to me is that this group of leaders will help to shape and mold parks and outdoors within our city. Our commitment and collaborative spirit are unmatched, and we are very excited to get started and help to reach the city's mission to become the first National Park City in America. Challenge accepted!"

District 5
Dank Hawkins, Jr

District 6 
Melissa Lozano Lykes
Why serve: "In one of my courses during architecture school, I heard the statistic that most people will spend 90% of their time indoors. While I understand why people spend so much time indoors, it makes the time we can spend outdoors all the more special. I wanted to serve on the Parks and Outdoors Committee because I wanted to help this city continue to develop its incredible green spaces and improve access to and knowledge of the outdoors. "

District 7
Zelma Lansford

District 8
Shelby Meek (Vice Chair)
Why serve: "I see parks as a mechanism for building community. It’s a space to meet our neighbors! My family and I lived in Madrid, Spain for five years and the majority of people in European cities live in dense, urban environments where they spend a lot of time outdoors together. Parks are their backyards. When we moved back to the States we were surprised by how lonely we felt initially. My kids actually thought our backyard was a park and asked where the other people were.
In my professional life, I am a Professor of Entrepreneurship and I emphasize to my undergraduate and MBA students the importance of being problem solvers and the power of being innovative. I am excited to put this skill set to use in my own town to make Chattanooga an even better place to live."

District 9
Angie Reed-Thomas
Why? "By serving on such a committee, individuals can advocate for the inclusion of cultural amenities, programming, and recreational opportunities that reflect the diversity of the community. This not only enhances the overall experience of the parks but also promotes inclusivity and social cohesion. Additionally, diverse representation can help identify and address any barriers to access that certain groups may face, ultimately contributing to more equitable and vibrant outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy."

If you have questions for the committee, please reach out to the committee be emailing DPOinfo@chattanooga.gov