Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Coming To CIVIQ: Gil Penalosa - Our Full Preview Conversation

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published February 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM EST

This month, we have shared with you parts of a conversation with Gil Penalosa - coming this week to Chattanooga.

Gil sees the potential of parks and streets as great public spaces - and his work in urban design has harnessed that potential into reality in city after city around the world.

In Bogotá, Colombia, he led the design and construction of more than 200 parks - also transforming the Ciclovia / Open Streets program into a global model for cities.

In recent years, he ran for Mayor of Toronto, Canada.

While he did not win, his campaign changed the conversation about what kind of future that city should have.

These days, Gil is the founder and chair of 8 80 Cities, a Canadian nonprofit.

He will talk about “8 80 Cities for Everyone” as the next speaker at CIVIQ, presented by Chattanooga Design Studio on Thursday, starting at 5:30 PM, at the downtown Chattanooga Public Library.

And now, for this episode of “Scenic Roots,” here is our entire conversation with Gil; Eric Myers, the Studio’s executive director - and Scott Martin, administrator of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors, which is partnering with the Studio on Gil’s visit.