Public activists urge Hamilton County to preserve Enterprise South Park, oppose proposed land swap with McDonnel Farm

Speakers representing an advocacy group called Save Enterprise South Park told Hamilton County commissioners on Oct. 15 they oppose any land swap that would convert parkland in Enterprise South or McDonnel Farm for industrial development.

Nathan Griffin, a co-founder of the group, said more than 4,000 people had signed a petition in the prior six days opposing the proposed land exchange. Griffin told the commission that Enterprise South and McDonnel Farm are distinct resources and that citizens do not have to sacrifice one to protect the other.

"This proposal is simply not an exchange. It's an attempt to sell off public park land for advanced manufacturing and industrial development," Griffin said. He urged commissioners to preserve Enterprise South, citing Chattanooga’s recent designation as a national park city and arguing that protecting open space is consistent with that recognition.

Elspeth Hare, another co-founder, told the commission that residents who use the park daily and neighbors near the site strongly oppose industrializing any park land. She said she and other volunteers had talked to hundreds of residents and that public engagement on the issue has been large and growing.

Why it matters: Enterprise South Park is a substantial public green space and a focus of local conservation and recreation. Any land exchange that could lead to industrial development would likely prompt significant public interest and potential policy debate over land use and conservation priorities.

What’s next: Speakers asked for transparency and full disclosure on any proposed transactions involving county- or city-owned property. The commission did not vote on a land swap at the Oct. 15 meeting; public advocates said they will continue outreach and expect to provide additional public comment if the matter appears on a future agenda.