An Introduction To Red Bank Parks and Public Green Spaces
For all its peaceful lifestyle charms, Red Bank’s miniscule public outdoor gathering space limits our potential community cohesiveness, activity, and spirit.
The information presented on this page illuminates the facts and details about Red Bank’s existing public parks and green spaces. This data should enable a factually informed public debate that rises above previous misleading rhetoric that “Red Bank already has plenty of parks…”
Red Bank has a mere 36.0 total acres of developed parks for a city of 6.44 square miles (4,121.6 acres), meaning that only 0.87% of the area of our city is in accessible public green space. Contrast that pittance with the national median of 9.3% of the area of US cities being in public parks. Looked at another way, Red Bank has only 3.1 acres of developed parks per 1,000 residents; the national median for US cities is 13.1 acres per 1,000 residents.
Our few developed parks are too small, inconveniently located, or too restrictive to meet our community needs. Red Bank does own another 93.26 acres of public green space, but – with the exception of the 12-acre old middle school site – those green spaces areas are steep, wooded, kudzu-covered, undeveloped, and/or generally inaccessible.
The people of Red Bank currently have no central commons capable of supporting such community-building activities and offerings as town jubilees, public markets, outdoor concerts, festivals and celebrations, fireworks, food trucks with picnic pavilions, walking paths, gardens, personal recreation, relaxation and water features. Red Bank Central Park can meet all those needs, and more!
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
Details of Red Bank Parks and Public Green Spaces, 2021
Acreages include both developed park area and undeveloped public green space
(Data from Hamilton County GIS Viewer website)
Descriptions of
Present Parks and Public Green Spaces in Red Bank
James W. “Skipper” Fairbanks Recreational Complex
11.56 acres
This cluster of baseball fields on the west side of the new Red Bank Middle School, beyond the end of Tom Weathers Drive, is a remnant of the former Morrison Springs Park that was split and partially converted by construction of the school. The athletics complex features 1 large field, 3 medium fields and 1 small field, plus a sports facility building (emphasizing boxing), 3 pitching/batting cages and 2 concession stands. The land is owned by the City of Red Bank and the welcome sign calls it a Red Bank Community Park. However, other signage declares the fields and facilities to be the “Property of the Red Bank Dixie Youth,” and directs anyone else wishing to use the facilities to call for information.
The Joseph “Joe” Glasscock Red Bank Community Center
1.8 acres
This 2,800 square-foot multi-use indoor facility, which can accommodate up to 150 people, is available to rent for civic or private events. The facility includes a back deck, an outdoor pavilion and some playground equipment (playground and pavilion are being upgraded currently). Reservations are made by calling City Hall. This site is a remnant of the former Morrison Springs Park.
18.99 acres
The public pool generally is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, though only on weekends when schools are in session. The pool facilities and parking occupy nearly 1 acre of this tract owned by the City of Red Bank.
The remaining 18 acres of this public parcel are steep, wooded hills between Tom Weathers Drive and Highway 27. This acreage is undeveloped and accessible only with difficulty. This entire area is a remnant of the former Morrison Springs Park.
0.06 acres
This landscaped corner at the intersection of Morrison Springs Road and Dayton Boulevard features a flagpole, a clock, 2 stone benches, a granite monument to honor the US Military, and another granite monument to honor the Red Bank officials who designed this park.
2.7 acres
Alongside Dayton Boulevard, across from the Food City shopping center, this park features the Kids Corner playground, restrooms, 5 tennis courts and a small stage with 6 metal benches for viewers. Two picnic tables and a couple more benches occupy the 0.95 acres of grass and shade trees that is bisected by the stone- and concrete-lined Stringer’s Branch.
11.97 acres
This open, gently sloped green field at the corner of West Leawood Avenue and Dayton Boulevard is the former site of the old Red Bank Middle School, and the old Red Bank High School before that. Except for the old stone walls and staircases, all the old buildings, facilities and infrastructure have been removed. The land is owned by the City of Red Bank, but has not yet been developed by the city as a park. Regardless, it is frequented by citizens for relaxation and informal recreation.
This anticipated future park is by far the largest open, mostly-level public green space in Red Bank, being 6 times larger than the next-biggest such space (1.8 acres) at White Oak Park.
4.7 acres
This girls’ softball complex, at the corner of Memorial Drive and James Avenue, features 2 large fields and 1 small field, a pitching ⁄ batting cage, a concession stand, and a picnic shelter with tables. An abandoned tennis court is perched in the trees on an overlooking hillside.
44.15 acres
The jewel of Red Bank parks is located off the beaten path, between Ben Miller Parkway and Pine Breeze Road. About16 acres have been developed as a park, with about 14 acres of open green space stair-stepping down a hillside in 4 leveled terraces. Amenities include a 2-pen dog park with 2 shade shelters, a playground, 2 picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a paved 3,600-foot walking path. A 0.85-mile connector trail is in development to connect this park with Stringer’s Ridge Park. The remaining 30 acres of this park are undeveloped steep, kudzu-covered hillsides and woods, with extremely difficult access. White Oak Park sits atop a former landfill site; contaminated effluent continues to seep into settling basins at the bottom end of the park.
33.33 acres (Red Bank portion)
This 92-acre wilderness park straddles the Red Bank ⁄ Chattanooga border. It is a prized area of scenic, wooded hills overlooking Chattanooga. The park – protected from development and preserved by private/public partnerships – opened to the public in 2013. This minimally developed park features an array of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. The only access points with parking are located in Chattanooga. There is no direct public access to Stringer’s Ridge Park from Red Bank, although a 0.85-mile connector trail is in development from White Oak Park.
A Closer Look at Red Bank Parks,
One By One
James W. "Skipper" Fairbanks Recreational Complex
11.56 acres
This cluster of baseball fields on the west side of the new Red Bank Middle School, beyond the end of Tom Weathers Drive, is a fragmented remnant of the former Morrison Springs Park that was split and partially converted by construction of the school.
The athletics complex features 1 large field, 3 medium fields and 1 small field, plus a sports facility building (primarily for boxing), 3 pitching/batting cages and 2 concession stands.
The land is owned by the City of Red Bank, but is licensed to Red Bank Dixie Youth for exclusive use. While the welcome sign calls this site a "City of Red Bank Community Park," other signage declares the fields and facilities to be the “Property of the Red Bank Dixie Youth.”
The Joseph "Joe" Glasscock Red Bank Community Center
1.8 acres
This 2,800 square-foot multi-use indoor facility, which can accommodate up to 150, is available to rent for civic or private events. Reservations are made by calling City Hall at (423) 877-1103.
The facility includes a back deck, an outdoor pavilion and some playground equipment. The latter two amenities currently are being replaced and upgraded. This site is a remnant of the former Morrison Springs Park.
Red Bank Community Pool Tract
18.99 acres
The Red Bank swimming pool is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The pool facilities and parking occupy nearly one acre of this tract owned by the City of Red Bank.
During peak season, the pool is open 6 days a week. When schools are in session, the pool is open only on weekends.
The remaining 18 acres of this tract of public land are steep, wooded hills between Tom Weathers Drive and Highway 27. This acreage is undeveloped and accessible only with difficulty. This entire tract is a remnant of the former Morrison Springs Park.
Bi-Lo “Town Center” Park
0.06 acres
This landscaped corner at the intersection of Morrison Springs Road and Dayton Boulevard features a flagpole, a clock, and two stone benches.
This site also presents granite monuments to honor both the US Military, as well as the Red Bank city officials who designed this Town Center Park.
Red Bank City Park
2.7 acres
Alongside Dayton Boulevard, across from the Food City shopping center, this park features the Kids Corner playground, restrooms, 5 tennis courts and a small stage with 6 metal benches for a small audience.
Kids Corner is a popular play place for kids 2-12 years old.
Two picnic tables and a couple more benches occupy the 0.95-acre strip of grass and shade trees that is bisected by the stone- and concrete-lined Stringer’s Branch.
Red Bank Central Park
11.97 acres
Old Red Bank Middle School Property
Home of the future Red Bank Central Park!
3715 Dayton Boulevard
This open, gently sloped green space in the city’s center is the former site of the Red Bank Middle School, and of the Red Bank High School before that. Except for the old stone walls and staircases, all the old buildings, facilities and infrastructure have been removed.
This future 12-acre public park is by far the largest open, mostly-level public green space in Red Bank, being 6 times larger than the next-biggest such level open space, at White Oak Park. This land also is home to at least 37 species of native trees, shrubs and woody vines.
The land behind this scenic stone wall and its welcoming historic stone staircase is owned by the City of Red Bank -- by the People -- and is enjoyed by many citizens for walkable relaxation and informal recreation.
Norma Cagle Park
4.7 acres
This girls’ softball complex, at the corner of Memorial Drive and James Avenue, was expanded and completely refurbished in about 2013. It features 2 large fields and 1 smaller field, a pitching/batting cage, a concession stand, and a picnic shelter with tables.
White Oak Park
44.15 acres (about 16 acres of which are developed as a park)
This jewel of the current Red Bank parks is located off the beaten path, between Ben Miller Parkway and Pine Breeze Road. About 14 acres of open space stair-step down a hillside in 4 leveled terraces.
Amenities include a playground, 2 picnic pavilions, a 2-pen dog park with 2 shade shelters, restrooms, and a paved 3,600-foot walking path.
The remaining 30 acres of this park are undeveloped public green space with steep, kudzu-covered hillsides and woods, with difficult access. White Oak Park was built atop a former landfill site; contaminated effluent continues to seep into settling basins at the bottom end of the park. A 0.85-mile connector trail is in development to connect this park with Stringer’s Ridge Park.
Stringer's Ridge Park
92 acres total (but Red Bank's portion is only 33.33 acres)
This 92-acre wilderness park straddling the Red Bank/Chattanooga border is a prized area of scenic, wooded hills with spectacular views overlooking the Tennessee River and Downtown. The park – protected from development and preserved by dedicated private/public partnerships – opened to the public in 2013.
This minimally developed park features an intricate network of hiking and biking trails, suitable for beginners and advanced users. The only public access points with parking are located in Chattanooga. There is no direct public access to Stringer’s Ridge Park from Red Bank, although a 0.85-mile connector trail is in development from White Oak Park.