Montague Park

From Landfill to Landmark

Located in Chattanooga's Southside neighborhood, Montague Park spans 45 acres of public green space with quite the backstory. Back in 1911, Mary Thayer Montague gifted this land to the city, however it wasn't always the picturesque spot it is today.

In its humble beginnings, the park was used as a construction landfill (yes, really!) which helped elevate the low-lying terrain. Over the years, locals found creative ways to enjoy the space - flying kites, racing motocross, and playing softball games under the Tennessee sky.

A Green Space with Growing Pains

The park hit a rough patch in 2003 when environmental issues forced its closure. Officials designated it as a brownfield site, which sounds concerning (because it was), but this classification actually marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround story.

Art Takes Root

The real transformation began in 2016 with the birth of Sculpture Fields at Montague Park. What was once abandoned land transformed into the Southeast's largest sculpture park, now home to over 40 contemporary artworks from artists worldwide.

These sculptures stand against the backdrop of Lookout Mountain, creating an interesting dialogue between art and landscape. Among the most moving pieces is a towering "X" sculpture honoring Chattanooga's five fallen soldiers - a quiet place for reflection and remembrance.

The open design of the sculpture fields gives you plenty of breathing room to wander and appreciate the diverse artistic styles. There's something different about experiencing art outdoors rather than in a traditional gallery.

Beyond the Art

Beyond the sculptures, Montague Park offers several recreational opportunities. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a natural grass soccer field and a rugby field, both maintained by the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation.

Looking ahead, the park plans to add two more full-size turf soccer fields in the coming years. The grassy areas provide space to toss a frisbee, have a picnic, or relax with a book.

What to Know Before You Go

There are easily accessible parking lots when you arrive. The open layout makes this a good spot to walk your dog or enjoy lunch surrounded by sculptures.

Keep an eye out for the park's free community events during the year - they're worth checking out and add an extra dimension to this already multifaceted destination. The park's size means you can usually find a quiet spot even during events.

Looking Forward

Changes are coming. In 2023, a new vision plan for Montague Park was unveiled. Future additions include new walking trails, designated picnic areas, and other amenities to improve the space.