[PACE]

Partnership in Animation and Community Enhancement Program

WHAT IS PACE?

The Special Events & Programming Division's Partnership in Animation and Community Enhancement Program, or PACE, serves as a mechanism to increase activity in our community parks and open spaces by creating an equitable grant program that will cover the cost of park rentals and other event-related fees for organizations that meet criteria set forth by the Special Events & Programming Division in correlation with other City departments.

This program is for everyone. We are here to help you understand the special events process and this application process.

The PACE agreement is an agreement with innovative, professional and community organizations that will increase the quantity, quality, and diversity of programming in all City open spaces. It is designed to encourage ongoing and diverse programming of our public spaces through a streamlined, user-friendly process.

Partnerships are a unique opportunity to produce an event in a public park or right-of-way.

PACE agreements help expand resources for recreation opportunities, improve the way we deliver our services and programs, and enhance the amenities offered at our facilities.

Special Events & Programming Division partnerships are essential for making sure we care for, and promote, the value of our parks, streets and waterways.

Partnerships must support Chattanooga’s missions as well as the values of the Special Events & Programming Division. By partnering with Chattanooga's Special Events & Programming Division, you are helping to connect people to parks, conserving Chattanooga’s unique places, and providing needed benefits beyond park boundaries.

A full list of Chattanooga's amazing park spaces can be found HERE.

The items listed below represent the current high priority areas that the Special Events & Programming Division is particularly interested in pursuing:
  • Programming promoting physical activity, education, and a healthy lifestyle.
  • Programming promoting a diverse and inclusive set of activities and venues including music, art, theater, and social well-being.
  • Investments and program services for special populations including veterans, immigrant and refugee populations, adults 65+ years, disabled children, youth and adults.
  • Community programming that celebrates Chattanooga’s unique character of people and neighborhoods while promoting civic pride.

PROCESS

STEP 1: Complete application form. The Division of Special Events & Programming is available to help applicants complete the application process. Email specialevents@chattanooga.gov with any questions about the application and process. 

STEP 2: Once your application is received, our PACE Selection Committee will review your application and determine if your event qualifies for scheduling and fee waiver. 

STEP 3: Following the evaluation the PACE, the Special Events & Programming Division will have three options: 1) Approval of the proposal; 2) Request additional information from the proposers; or 3) Reject the proposal.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

During the application process for the PACE program, applicants should adhere to and be mindful of the following guidelines and procedures:

  1. The following parks are not eligible for PACE fee waivers: Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, Ross's Landing, Walnut Street Bridge, and Chattanooga Green.
  2. Only events that are free and open to the public are eligible for fee waiver under PACE. 
  3. Applications for PACE must be submitted a minimum of 60 days and a maximum of 365 days prior to the first event date. 
  4. Applicants must be a bona fide charitable organization to apply for PACE. 
  5. The PACE Program may be utilized no more than three (3) consecutive years for the same event. 
  6. A maximum of four (4) days total will be allowable for fee waiver for a single calendar year. These do not have to be contiguous dates. Park fee rentals costs for any additional dates will be the sole responsibility of the applicant. 
  7. The Application step includes detailed plans and supporting documents describing the event, requires multi-departmental review by City staff, and approval of the event by the PACE Selection Committee.
  8. Applicants will be responsible for any deposits required for park reservation and use. Any damages that occur from the event are the sole responsibility of the event organizer. 
  9. Applications will be available online, but hard copies will also be available to anyone who does not have access to the online application. Hard copies of the Application may be found at the Outdoor Chattanooga Building, located at: 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405. 
  10. PACE events must adhere to all rules and regulations set forth by the City in regards to park use, allowable activities, and materials. 
  11. If approved by the PACE Committee, a Certificate of Public Liability Insurance naming the City of Chattanooga (101 E. 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402) may be required based on the particular program proposed. Coverage for this policy must be at least $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate. The Office of the City Attorney may require a higher threshold as determined by the activities planned for the event. Workers Compensation and Liquor Liability coverage may also be required, if applicable. 
  12. If approved by the PACE Committee, additional city resources may be provided for free to the applicant, to include waiver of the right-of-way closure permit application fee and trash receptacle fee. 
  13. If approved by the PACE Committee, additional Permits and Applications may be required depending on the activities planned for the event. Additional permits and/or departmental sign-offs needed might include, but are not limited to; Chattanooga Police Department and/or Chattanooga Fire Department presence, Street Closure requirements, Beer and/or Alcohol permits, Hamilton County Emergency Management Services, Chattanooga Parking Authority, and others.
  14. Additional permits may be applied for before the Event is approved, but the applicant will be responsible for the full rental price of the requested space(s), as well as any costs associated with additional City services if the PACE application is denied. 

WHAT DO I DO NEXT IF I WANT TO APPLY?

First, determine that your event is a free, open to the public event, and that it addresses one of the three needs identified in this process - Community Building, Arts & Culture, or Health & Wellness.

Next up, click the link below and begin filling out your application!

For any technical issues or questions, please email specialevents@chattanooga.gov.