The City of East Ridge, Tennessee American Water and WaterWays will celebrate the official grand opening of the newly renovated Camp Jordan Canoe Launches with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 7, at 11:30 a.m. at Camp Jordan Park, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge.

Officials said, "The enhanced canoe launches provide residents and visitors with improved access to South and West Chickamauga Creeks while expanding opportunities for paddling, outdoor recreation, environmental education and exploration of one of the region’s most valuable natural resources.

The project was spearheaded by Shawnna Skiles, director of East Ridge Parks and Recreation, in partnership with WaterWays, and made possible through funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation.

"The project reflects a shared commitment among the City of East Ridge, Tennessee American Water and WaterWays to improve public access to local waterways while encouraging responsible recreation, environmental stewardship and healthy outdoor lifestyles. The launch reconfiguration further strengthens Camp Jordan’s role as a regional destination for outdoor recreation and supports East Ridge’s continued investment in expanding recreational opportunities, improving public access to waterways and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike."

“The launch improvements provide residents and visitors another way to experience South and West Chickamauga Creeks and connect with the natural resources in our community,” said MaryBeth Sutton, executive director of WaterWays. “Partnerships like this are essential to bringing such positive projects to completion.”

Representatives from the City of East Ridge, Tennessee American Water and WaterWays will participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local paddlers will also be on hand to demonstrate the improved launches and showcase enhanced access to the creek. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the project and future opportunities for outdoor recreation in East Ridge.

"Camp Jordan has long served as one of East Ridge's premier recreational destinations, and the newly renovated canoe launches expand opportunities for residents and visitors to experience East Ridge from a new perspective," said Ms. Skiles. "We are grateful for the partnership with WaterWays and Tennessee American Water in helping make outdoor recreation and environmental education more accessible for everyone."

"The Camp Jordan Canoe Launch project was made possible through funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation through Tennessee American Water, along with the continued partnership and collaboration of the City of East Ridge and WaterWays," officials said.