Hill City neighbors and Mayor Tim Kelly in front of the community center

Play Streets

Play Streets Coming to Hill City – Let’s Get Kids Playing Outside Again!

Hill City is a vibrant, friendly neighborhood in Chattanooga nestled between the river and the ridges. We’re a tight-knit community that values safe streets, strong neighborly connections, and giving our kids plenty of room to run, play, and explore.

This year, the Hill City Neighborhood Association (HCNA) is excited to launch Play Streets — a simple but powerful idea that turns selected residential blocks into temporary car-free zones so kids can play safely and neighbors can connect.

What Are Play Streets?

Play Streets are scheduled events where a section of a neighborhood street is closed to through traffic for a few hours. With proper signage and barricades in place, the street becomes a safe, open space for children to ride bikes, draw with chalk, play games, jump rope, or just run around freely — while families picnic, chat, and enjoy being outdoors together.

The idea has been successful in cities across the country, including right here in Chattanooga thanks to our neighbors in North Chattanooga. We were inspired by their program and are proud to bring Play Streets to Hill City.

Why We’re Doing This

Many of us remember childhoods where neighborhood streets were natural playgrounds. Today, kids often spend more time indoors or on screens, and busy traffic makes parents hesitant to let them roam freely. Play Streets help reverse that trend by creating safe, joyful spaces right outside our doors.

2026 Play Streets Schedule in Hill City

Mark your calendars! Here are our confirmed dates and locations:

  • April 17 – 700 Block of Snow Street from 5:00-7:00pm

  • May 8 – 100 Block of Bush Street from 5:00-7:00pm

  • June 5 – 10 Block Lawn Street from 5:00-7:00pm

  • July 10 – 700 Block of Spears Avenue from 5:00-7:00pm

  • August 21 – 10 Block Lawn Street from 5:00-7:00pm

  • September 18 – 100 Block of Bush Street from 5:00-7:00pm

  • October 9 – 700 Block of Snow Street from 5:00-7:00pm

What to Expect

  • Streets will be closed with Road Closed signs and barricades

  • Safe space for unstructured play, games, scooters, bikes, and chalk art

  • Bring a camp chair, snacks, or just come as you are

  • A parent or caregiver must accompany children

  • Please clean up after yourselves and leave no trace

  • Pets are not permitted at these events

Get Involved!

We’d love for you to join the fun — whether you come to play, help supervise, or simply hang out with neighbors.

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to:

  • Let us know you’re interested

  • Volunteer to help at an event

  • Receive updates about future Play Streets

You can also reach out anytime at info@hillcitychatt.org.

Play Streets are about more than just play — they’re about rebuilding community, giving kids healthier childhoods, and making Hill City an even better place to live, one joyful afternoon at a time.

We can’t wait to see you out on the street!

Hill City Neighborhood Association

hillcitychatt.org