In 2025, Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga (FOC) continued its mission to support programs, partnerships, and people that make Chattanooga an exceptional place to get outside. From welcoming new leadership to supporting citywide celebrations and nationally significant milestones, this year reflected the growing role of outdoor recreation in strengthening community, stewardship, and belonging. None of this work happens in isolation, and we’re proud to have supported initiatives that brought people together around a shared love of the outdoors.
Welcoming New Board Leadership
This year, FOC welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors: Ayanna Williams, Brad DeVaney, and Madison Eubanks. Each brings a unique perspective and skill set, from community advocacy and equity-driven leadership to engineering, product development, and storytelling. Together, they strengthen FOC’s ability to support Outdoor Chattanooga’s programs and advance long-term impact across the region. We’re grateful for their willingness to serve and help guide the organization’s future.
Supporting Chattanooga’s National Park City Designation
In 2025, Chattanooga made history by becoming the first National Park City in North America. FOC was proud to support this milestone, which recognizes the city’s commitment to protecting nature, expanding access to green spaces, and weaving the outdoors into everyday life. This designation reflects decades of collaboration among civic leaders, nonprofits, and residents—and reinforces the importance of investing in outdoor spaces that benefit both people and the environment.
Community Events That Bring the Outdoors to Life
FOC supported a wide range of events this year that invited residents and visitors alike to celebrate Chattanooga’s outdoor culture:
- Chattanooga Outdoor Festival – A signature event showcasing the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, local vendors, and community organizations. The festival brings thousands together to explore, learn, and connect around all things outdoors.
- Chatt Town Cool Down – A family-friendly summer series combining outdoor fun, water features, and live entertainment to help the community beat the heat while enjoying local parks.
- Gearage Sale – A popular event that promotes sustainability and access by giving gently used outdoor gear a second life, making recreation more affordable and reducing waste.
- Earth Week – A citywide celebration highlighting environmental stewardship, conservation, and education through events, cleanups, and outdoor activities that inspire care for our natural resources.
- Chattanooga’s New Year’s Eve Celebration – A community gathering at Coolidge Park that rang in the new year with fireworks, music, and shared joy—reinforcing the role of public outdoor spaces as places to celebrate together.
Investing in People Through Outdoor Ambassadors
FOC also continued to support the Outdoor Ambassadors program, which helps connect community members—especially those historically underrepresented in outdoor spaces—to recreation opportunities, leadership development, and stewardship experiences. By investing in people, this program strengthens the outdoor community today while building a more inclusive future.
As we reflect on 2025, we’re proud of the partnerships, programs, and progress made possible through your support. Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga remains committed to championing outdoor access, environmental responsibility, and community connection—and we’re excited to continue this work in the year ahead.
