An Exciting Weekend of Activities for the NCNA

We have a lot going on with NCNA this weekend -- hope you can join us. Friday night we'll have glow in the dark dodgeball (games will be divided by age, so all are welcome), and the North Chatt Chow Down.

Melissa Graveline from Build Sage Design will be providing drinks for dodgeball and the Chow Down, and she will also be available to to chat about your homes and potential future projects.

For the Chow Down, we already have people signed up to bring food from everywhere from Louisiana to Texas to Korea and more! Be sure to sign up here with what you are bringing!

Then on Saturday morning, bundle up and meet at the Wyatt Community Center at 9 a.m. to help us review all pedestrian infrastructure within the NCNA boundaries.

We'll start with coffee, donuts and an overview of the walk audit process then we will split up to walk and review our neighborhood streets. By the end, we’ll have a sense of which sidewalks need cleaning, repair, and more, and the general condition of pedestrian infrastructure across our neighborhood. If you want to get a head start the walk audit form is live: https://forms.gle/bzaFxLnULnVx8YPX8

Bringing Play Streets to North Chattanooga

Many adults can remember a time when children spent more time outdoors, and neighborhood streets were filled with the sounds of kids playing. While we still see many children in our neighborhood today, kids are more likely to be in their own home, yard, or screen. 

In order to encourage more outdoor play and community connection, The North Chattanooga Neighborhood Association is excited to announce our upcoming Play Streets initiative, a movement that temporarily transforms residential streets into safe, car-free spaces for play and community gathering.

The idea came from a book club that NCNA hosted earlier this fall to discuss The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The book explores the detrimental effect of screens and social media on young people, and it delves into the huge benefits of outdoor play. More than 20 neighbors came to the book club, and nearly everyone agreed that their primary concern with their own children playing in our neighborhood is the danger of traffic. 

What are Play Streets?

Play Streets are scheduled times when selected streets are closed to through traffic, creating safe spaces for children to play and neighbors to connect. This concept, already successful in cities like Seattle, Portland, and New York, represents a return to a time when streets weren't just for cars – they were extensions of our front yards and gathering places for our communities.

Why Now?

In recent years, childhood has undergone a dramatic shift. Research shows that today's children spend significantly less time in unstructured outdoor play compared to previous generations. This decrease in outdoor activity and face-to-face social interaction has been linked to increased rates of anxiety and decreased social development among young people.

Contemporary research, including recent studies on child development, highlights several concerning trends:

• Children spend 50% less time in unstructured outdoor activities than they did in the 1970s 

• Average radius of play (how far children roam independently) has shrunk by 90% since the 1970s

• Screen time has replaced much of children's free play time

Benefits of Play Streets

Play Streets offer multiple benefits for our community. In addition to mental and physical well-being for children, Play Streets also build community by fostering a greater sense of community safety and intergenerational interaction. 

North Chattanooga’s Play Street event

The first step in planning our event is to seek a permit from the City of Chattanooga to close a selected street to traffic on a specific date. We have identified Boylston Street, between Colville Street and Beck Ave, as a potential location for the initial event. Because this stretch of road does not include any residences, it should pose minimal disruption to traffic flow (and it can serve as a wonderful test case for creating a public park in that vicinity!). The date of the event has not yet been determined. 

We need your help! 

We are currently seeking volunteers to help plan this event. Please let us know here if you are interested in helping out and/or staying in the loop on this event!

Remember, Play Streets aren't just about creating spaces for play – they're about strengthening our community bonds, improving our children's well-being, and making North Chattanooga an even better place to live.

Welcome to the Block: New Neighbor Program

Moving to a new neighborhood can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a new resident settles in, the first few weeks can feel like a blur of unpacking, navigating new routines, and adjusting to a different community. But a warm, friendly welcome can make all the difference in helping new neighbors feel at home. That’s where our Welcome to the Block: New Neighbor Program comes in!

Our neighborhood association is proud to launch this initiative aimed at making our newest residents feel welcome and connected from day one. One of the easiest and most heartfelt ways you can participate is by joining our postcard-writing effort to greet newcomers. Here's how you can get involved!

What is the "Welcome to the Block" New Neighbor Program?

The Welcome to the Block initiative is a neighborhood outreach program designed to help newcomers feel embraced and informed as they transition into our community. Each new resident receives a personalized postcard with a warm greeting, helpful local information, and an invitation to engage with the association and neighbors.

It's a small gesture that can have a big impact. A handwritten note can make new residents feel seen, valued, and excited about the community they’ve joined.

Why Write a Postcard?

A personal, handwritten postcard is an easy, affordable, and meaningful way to show new neighbors that we care. Here's why it matters:

• Makes a Personal Connection: A quick, thoughtful note can break the ice and open the door for future interactions.

• Informs and Guides: A postcard can include helpful information like local events, nearby parks, or contact info for the neighborhood association. It's a simple way to help newcomers get oriented.

• Builds Community Spirit: Welcoming new residents fosters a sense of unity and warmth in the neighborhood, making everyone feel part of something special.

How Can You Get Involved?

It’s simple and fun! Here’s how you can help us welcome new neighbors with a postcard:

1. Sign Up
   Join our postcard-writing team by filling out the registration form here. You’ll be added to our volunteer list and receive updates on when new residents are moving in.

2. Pick Up a Postcard Kit
   Once you’ve signed up, we’ll provide you with a postcard kit. These kits include everything you need—pre-addressed postcards, a list of new neighbors, and a few ideas for what to write (though feel free to add your own personal touch!).

3. Write Your Postcard
   Take a moment to write a short, friendly message welcoming your new neighbors. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few kind words will make a world of difference! You can also include a personal recommendation for a local coffee shop, restaurant, or park.

4. Drop Off Your Postcard
   Once you’ve written your postcard, drop it off at the post office, and wait for the next batch of newcomers.

What Should You Write on the Postcard?

The most important thing is to make the message warm and welcoming! Here are some ideas for what to include:

• A Warm Greeting: Start with a friendly “Welcome to the neighborhood!” or “We’re so happy you’ve joined our community!”

• Personal Suggestions: Mention your favorite local spots or any neighborhood traditions or events.

• Encouragement to Get Involved: Invite your new neighbor to attend an upcoming neighborhood event or meet others through the neighborhood association.

• A Helpful Tip: Offer advice on practical matters, like the best route to take to the grocery store or where to park.

Here’s an example:

Dear [Name],

Welcome to the neighborhood! We’re so glad to have you here. If you’re ever looking for a great cup of coffee, check out [local café] just down the street—it’s a neighborhood favorite! Our next community gathering is coming up in [date]; we’d love to see you there!

If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help you settle in.

Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
NCNA Member

The Impact of Your Effort

It may seem like a small act, but when dozens of neighbors come together to write postcards, it creates a ripple effect of positivity and inclusivity throughout the community. New residents will feel the warmth of their new home long before they’ve unpacked their last box, and they’ll be more likely to engage with the neighborhood as a result.

By taking just a few minutes to write a postcard, you’re helping build a more welcoming, connected, and vibrant neighborhood for everyone.

Get Involved Today!

Ready to get started? Sign up to be part of the Welcome to the Block: New Neighbor Program and help make our community an even better place to live. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a recent arrival, you can make a difference by sharing a kind word with a new neighbor.

Together, let’s show everyone that we’re more than just a neighborhood—we’re a community.

Sign up today and start writing!

NCNA Book Club - The Anxious Generation

On September 23rd, join neighbors to discuss Jonathan Haidt’s new book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. We will meet from 7 - 8:30 at Real Roots Cafe, 607 N Market St. There will be beer, wine and the full menu available for purchase. RSVP at this link.

The discussion will be led by Suzanne Collins and Mary Helen Montgomery and will focus on Haidt’s conclusions about the need to return to play-based childhoods. Independence and play-based childhood experiences require community support, which is why this book makes sense for our NCNA community to read and discuss together.

We look forward to discussing the book and Haidt’s “New Norms”: no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, more independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world. We hope that you will read the book and join us to discuss.

NCNA Movie Night

On the evening of August 24th, neighbors gathered at Wyatt Community Center for games, cotton candy, and a movie. Kids played soccer, kickball and bounced in one neighbor’s bouncy house while parents chatted nearby and helped the Parks Department get the inflatable screen set up for the movie. Cassie Nice, from the NCNA Social Committee, made cotton candy, and neighborhood kids sold cupcakes, light up gear and handmade bracelets.

We were also happy to share materials to help people update voter registration and to give information about when early voting will take place this fall (October 16 - 31). NCNA member and neighbor, Allison Gorman, attended and was able to answer questions about her campaign for State House Representative for District 26.

We had planned to show Guardians of the Galaxy, but unfortunately the movie didn’t make it to us, so we appreciated everyone’s flexibility as we pivoted and watched Trolls. What a great night.