Ridgeside Park
Ridgesiders who live on the south side of Hilldale Drive and the north side of Ridgeside Road claim their homes are the best located in the community. Their properties border the pastoral park that stretches from the community pool on Shepherd Avenue. down the hill to Brookwood Drive. The little park was the site of the Ridgeside’s famous 1920s miniature golf course. The golf course, most of which is now long replaced by homes, existed along the little brook that still flows through the valley. Most of the stream was covered in the early days of Ridgeside, but portions still babble along.
The park is the site of the community pool, tennis courts, a playground, and a pathway though a stand of old trees, some of which are said date to the 1860s. The park and pool are community favorites for swimming, tennis, walking, bicycling, and children’s play.
Playground
Children have for generations played in the Ridgeside Park and on the park’s playground toys. Over the years the swings, climbing structures, tables, and benches have been replaced a number of times, always with goals of safety and durability.
The area is a destination-rest stop for parents walking little children. The huge shade trees overhanging the area create a cool spot for child play and adult meditation.
The little brook that runs the length of the park goes underground on one side of the playground and reappears on the other.
The area is maintained by the community’s parks committee. The committee of volunteers also oversees the maintenance and management of the community pool.
City Commission
Ridgeside is governed by its citizens through a commission composed of the mayor and two commissioners. Officials serve four-year terms. The three candidates for office receiving the most votes are elected. Of those three, the person receiving the most votes is designated mayor.
Regular town meetings are held on the third Tuesday of January, April, July, and October. Meetings are held at the First Lutheran Church at 2800 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN and begin at 7:00 pm. Ordinances and resolutions passed by the commissioners are publicized through this website and by email.
All residents are encouraged to attend commission meetings. Notices of these meetings are printed in the Chattanooga Times / Free Press, posted on the website, and circulated by email.
