Montague Park

History and Origins

Montague Park is a 45-acre public green space located in Chattanooga's Southside neighborhood. Originally donated to the city in 1911 by Mary Thayer Montague, the park has undergone significant changes over the decades.

In its early years, the park was used as a construction landfill, which raised the low-lying land. Later, it served as a recreational area for activities like kite flying, motocross racing, and softball.

Environmental Challenges

Environmental concerns led to the park's closure in 2003, and it was designated as a brownfield site. This classification marked a turning point in the park's history.

Artistic Renaissance

The park experienced a revival in recent years, with the establishment of Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in 2016. This initiative transformed a portion of the park into the largest sculpture park in the Southeast, featuring over 40 large-scale, contemporary sculptures from artists around the world.

The sculptures are set against the backdrop of Lookout Mountain, creating a unique blend of art and nature.

Recreational Facilities

In addition to the Sculpture Fields, Montague Park is also home to recreational facilities operated by the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation. The park currently includes one natural grass soccer field, with plans to develop two additional full-size turf soccer fields in the coming years.

Future Development

A new vision plan for Montague Park was unveiled in 2023, aiming to further enhance the space. The plan includes the addition of walking trails, picnic areas, and other amenities to create a more cohesive and multifunctional public space that serves the diverse needs of the community.