Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® announced last week that Walker County has been awarded the 2026 Placemaking Project, dedicating significant resources to enhance the safety and security of Walker Rocks Park, particularly for children with special needs.

The Placemaking Project funding will specifically target the installation of a protective fence around the perimeter of the playground. This barrier is designed to establish a critical containment zone for children who may be prone to eloping, such as those on the autism spectrum.

Walker Rocks Park, which opened in 2024 and is located on the Walker County Civic Center Campus in Rock Spring, was recently designated as a Playcore National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play earlier this year, making the safety enhancement a crucial next step toward full accessibility.

“Autistic children are known to elope, due to their lack of sense of danger,” said Joe Legge, Director of Communications and Community Development for Walker County. “We’re thankful the Greater Chattanooga REALTORS team wanted to partner with us to address this issue and recognized the impact it will have on our community.”

Legge emphasized the peace of mind the upgrades will offer local families. “The new playground fencing will give parents and caregivers greater peace of mind, ensuring safety, security, and fun for all.”

The Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® Placemaking initiative selects projects that address specific community needs, demonstrate strong local support, and offer creative solutions. Previous projects have included environmental enhancements, such as an educational pollinator garden, and recreational upgrades like a new trailhead in St. Elmo.

“Our Placemaking Committee was inspired by Walker County’s vision for Walker Rocks Park,” said Winnie Paris, 2025 Chair of the Placemaking Committee. “This project truly reflects the goals of the committee. By helping fund the protective fencing and a new water fountain, we’re investing in features that will serve local families by making the space safer, more inclusive, and more welcoming for years to come.”

In addition to the protective fencing, the 2026 Placemaking Project will fund a filtered water bottle filling station and the addition of four new benches around the playground, offering visitors more opportunities to relax and interact.

The Placemaking Project is one of several enhancements scheduled for the park in the coming months. Walker Rocks Park is currently completing its third phase of construction with the help of a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior-National Park Service.

Further enhancing the site’s recreational offerings, construction of four new pickleball courts is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. The county also received a Recreational Trails Program grant to resurface the park’s existing trail next year.