once massive mall, underscores our prime location.” The motto ‘Live, Work, Play’ captures the essence of East Ridge, reflecting its balanced lifestyle and growing opportunities.“Pioneer progress,” the mayor adds, “is another phrase that resonates with our spirit of continuous development and community enhancement.” Economic growth is a significant focus for East Ridge, with numerous projects in the pipeline. The city is committed to fostering an environment where businesses can flourish, contributing to the overall quality of life.“We’ve seen a lot of economic development recently,” Williams shares, hinting at a prosperous future driven by strategic planning and community-centric initiatives. CAMP JORDAN PARK: A HUB FOR SPORTS TOURISM East Ridge’s Camp Jordan Park serves as a magnet for sports enthusiasts, boasting state-of-the-art facilities catering to various athletic pursuits. This expansive 275-acre park provides local residents with ample recreational opportunities and attracts regional and even national sporting events, making it a cornerstone of East Ridge’s community and economy. Mayor Williams elaborates on the park’s offerings: “Camp Jordan Park features 13 diamond and 14 rectangular fields. We have everything from softball and baseball to tee-ball and soccer.” The park’s versatility is evident in its facilities, including a pavilion, a theater, and a 34,000-square-foot arena. The park’s extensive amenities do not stop at traditional sports. “Wrapped around the exterior, we have a two-mile walking track and an 18-hole disc golf course, along with a fishing pond,” he adds. Camp Jordan Park’s impact on sports tourism is significant. Mayor Williams shares a personal anecdote that underscores this: “I recently spoke to an employee from Cincinnati who was bringing her daughter to a softball tournament at Camp Jordan. It was thrilling to hear about our park’s reach.” This kind of regional draw is standard, as teams and their families travel from several states away, contributing to the local economy. DEVELOPING THE HEART OF EAST RIDGE East Ridge may not have a defined downtown, but the city strategically focuses on the development around Exit 1 and Ringgold Road. This area, particularly the northeast quadrant, has grown substantially, becoming a hub of business and community activities. “We consider Exit 1 and Ringgold Road our central area,” Miller explains.This quadrant includes notable establishments like Jonathan’s, Twin Peaks, and Chick-fil-A, and two new hotels—Hilton Home2 and Hampton Inn—that have opened within the past month.” 143 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 EAST RIDGE, TN
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