Dozens of residents and conservation advocates urged the Hamilton County Commission on Oct. 29, 2025, to preserve Enterprise South Nature Park and oppose any deed swap or lifting of deed restrictions that would permit industrial development on park acreage.

Melissa Ray, co‑founder of Save Enterprise South Nature Park, told commissioners the group’s petition opposing a proposed land swap is “in just under 3 weeks, we are approaching 9,000 signatures.” She said the petition reflects a community view that the park and its green spaces are core to Chattanooga and Hamilton County’s quality of life.

Hadrian Turner, a co‑founder of the same group and a conservation professional, said the tract identified as “unused and underutilized” is home to the Atlas Trail and serves as a buffer from noise and light along Interstate 75. Turner said, “there is no actual requirement for a restricted deed swap to protect McDonald Farm,” and urged the commission to pursue alternatives that would protect both McDonald Farm and Enterprise South.

Other speakers described local impacts if park acreage were converted. Angelica Bridal said Enterprise South totals “2,800 acres” and stated the park has cataloged “65 bird species, 8 of which are endangered.” Christina Young, a state‑permitted wildlife rehabilitator, described the park as a sanctuary where injured animals are healed and released, and told commissioners: “Protect Enterprise South Nature Park. Protect the lives that depend on it, not just for their sake, but for the soul of this community.”

Residents from neighborhoods bordering the park, including Flagstone and Hunter Village, said industrial encroachment would reduce dark skies, increase noise and traffic, and depress property values. Several speakers asked commissioners to pause the current process, consult affected residents, and consider conservation mechanisms other than a deed swap.

The public comments also noted the park’s recreational and economic value: speakers described hiking, mountain biking and tourism uses that draw visitors from other regions. Jennifer Duvall, a member of the McDonald Farm advisory committee, said McDonald Farm and Enterprise South are separate entities and warned that infrastructure and funding constraints make light industrial development at McDonald Farm problematic without careful planning.

The commission took no immediate action during public comment. Commissioners heard the remarks as part of the meeting’s public‑comment period; the board adjourned the session with instructions that its next meeting will be Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.

Speakers requested further conversations with county staff and elected officials. Several said they would continue organizing; petition counts cited on the record ranged from “closing in on 9,000” to “right at 9,000.”