River City Company Launches Public Fundraising Campaign to Build Chattanooga’s Next Icon

The transformative project to revitalize Chattanooga’s riverfront parks has already exceeded 52% of the total private fundraising goal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. On June 9, 2026, at its 40^th Anniversary Celebration, River City Company, downtown Chattanooga’s 501(c)(3) non-profit economic development organization, announced the public launch of Riverfront Parks Next, the fundraising campaign to significantly enhance Chattanooga’s riverfront parks near Ross’s Landing.

Inspired by public input beginning in 2023, Chattanooga’s riverfront parks will be transformed into a family-friendly, year-round riverfront park corridor that invites residents and visitors to enjoy the Scenic City’s intimate connection to the Tennessee River. Major new features will include two new restaurants, sports courts, public art, public restrooms, spaces for food-and-beverage kiosks, and an improved pier and infrastructure for waterfront recreation and programming. The landscape will be softened with native shade trees and unique seating options, including swings and picnic nooks. Chattanooga-based PlayCore will design a signature play structure that will inspire the next generation of Chattanoogans to love our city and its natural beauty.

Project leaders today shared that over 52% of the $25 million private fundraising goal has already been secured thanks to many of our community’s most generous corporate and philanthropic leaders. In addition to private donations, public funding has already been secured from the State of Tennessee ($15,000,000), the City of Chattanooga ($5,000,000), and Hamilton County ($5,000,000).

By rallying the local philanthropic community to double down on the 21st Century Waterfront project’s legendary investment in the early 2000s, River City Company expects to meet or exceed its fundraising goal by this fall. The project is expected to break ground this fall and be completed by summer 2028.

“When we began this project and understood what residents wanted to see at our riverfront parks, we knew it would require government leaders, local corporations, philanthropy, and other generous donors to step up in a huge way to accomplish this goal. That is exactly what is happening. River City Company is honored and humbled to lead this fundraising campaign because it will deliver yet another local asset that we all will be proud to call ‘ours.’” – Emily Mack, President and CEO, River City Company

The fundraising campaign is being led by former U.S. Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, and Ward Davenport.

“As North America’s first National Park City, Chattanooga has a collective commitment to prioritize our parks and outdoor experiences. I appreciate River City Company for leading this initiative by honoring our past and creating a vibrant space for people to enjoy.” – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Honorary Co-Chair of the Riverfront Parks Next Campaign

“Building on the reasons people have gathered for centuries on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Riverfront Parks Next honors the legacy of Ross’s Landing while creating a world-class experience for families and visitors alike. We’re taking the vision for the Riverwalk and the 21st Century Waterfront into an exciting new era designed to bring locals back to the river seven days a week, all year long.”– Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Honorary Co-Chair of the Riverfront Parks Next Campaign

“I want to thank every donor – and future donor – for helping us write the next chapter in Chattanooga’s proud history of building something excellent for the benefit of everyone in our community. It is an honor to play a role in the success of this project because I believe these parks, restaurants, and event spaces will bring our community closer for generations to come.” – Ward Davenport, Capital Campaign Chair of the Riverfront Parks Next Campaign

About River City Company 

Since 1986, River City Company, a private 501(c)(3) non-profit, has partnered with local stakeholders from government, business, and the philanthropic community to advance the economic, social, and cultural vitality of downtown Chattanooga, TN. 

Media Contact: 
Dawn Hjelseth 
Vice President of Marketing & Communication 
River City Company 
616-886-4347 
dawn@rivercitycompany.com