CHATTANOOGA, TN — The City of Chattanooga and Stantec are proud to announce that Lynnbrook Park has received a prestigious National Recognition Award in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards. This national honor follows a visit from the National Park City’s Peer Review Committee, marking a banner year for the park’s recognition as a model of urban ecological restoration and community-centered design.
The ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards, often referred to as the "Academy Awards of the engineering industry," recognize projects that demonstrate the highest degree of innovation, complexity, and value to society. Earning a National Recognition Award places the Lynnbrook Park Stream Restoration among the top engineering achievements in the country for 2026.
“Lynnbrook Park is more than just a green space; it’s a vital piece of infrastructure that solves complex flooding issues while providing a beautiful sanctuary for the Oak Grove community and re-establishes an ecological balance and naturalizing of the stream.” said Maria Price, Assistant City Engineer and Storm Water Director at the City of Chattanooga. Having this work recognized at both the state and national levels, and hosting the National Park City’s Peer Review Committee, underscores our commitment to being a world-class city in a park."
The project, led by the global design and engineering firm Stantec, transformed a 1.4-acre flood-prone vacant lot into a vibrant community asset. Key features of the restoration include:
- Natural Stream Restoration: Re-establishing the natural flow of an urban stream to mitigate neighborhood flooding.
- Green Infrastructure: Utilizing nature-based solutions to treat stormwater and improve water quality.
- Community Connectivity: Providing residents with a new pedestrian bridge, play equipment, walking paths, and a pavilion.
The visit from the National Park City Peer Review Committee highlights Chattanooga’s status as North America’s first National Park City. The committee’s review focused on how spaces like Lynnbrook Park integrate nature into the daily lives of urban residents, promoting health, equity, and environmental stewardship.