Coolidge Park is a park located on the North Shore of Chattanooga, Tennessee, along the Tennessee River.[1][2] It has an interactive water fountain, rock climbing, a pavilion, picnic amenities, a military memorial, and a 100-year old restored antique carousel.[1][2] There are also docking facilities.[3] It is also near the Walnut Street Bridge.[1] It is also close to the city’s entertainment and art districts.[1][3] It serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, fundraisers, and special events.[1][2] The park is also a part of the Tennessee Riverwalk, a 13-mile public waterfront greenway that follows the Tennessee River.[1][3]

Coolidge Park
Map
Location150 River St., Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Coordinates35°03′40″N 85°18′29″W / 35.061°N 85.308°W / 35.061; -85.308
Area13 acres (0.053 km2)
CreatedOctober 16th, 1999 (October 16th, 1999)
Websitehttps://chattanooga.gov/parks/our-parks-and-trails
Exterior view of Coolidge Park Carousel at sunset

In 2006, a circular landscape of trees representing the sister cities of Chattanooga called the Peace Grove was added to the park.[1] There is also the Learning Walk, a one thousand linear foot-interpretive trail.[3]

The Coolidge Park Carousel is a Dentzel antique carousel from 1894.[2] It has 52 hard-carved animals, a calliope band organ, and gold leaf benches.[2][4] It is available for reservations.[2]

The park was established through the work of HGOR and the River Front Development Committee.[3] The goal was to have an open space area, stabilize the riverfront area, and increase connectivity with a walkway system, as part of the Tennessee Riverwalk.[3] The park was opened in 1999.[3][5] The park was named after Charles H. Coolidge, a Medal of Honor recipient who fought in World War II.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Coolidge Park". Chattanooga, Tennessee. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Downtown River Parks". Welcome to Chattanooga.gov. 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Coolidge Park". HGOR. 2021-03-09. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  4. ^ "Horsin' around a carousel carving school in Tennessee". STLtoday.com. 2022-07-28. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  5. ^ a b Bliss, Jessica; Tennessean, The (2015-08-01). "The Tennessean". Nashville. Retrieved 2022-08-24.