$7.8 million investment will bring new amenities to popular riverfront space
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation and the City of Kingsport recently gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new BlueCross Healthy Place at Riverwalk Park.
The park, located along the Holston River, spans 8.8 acres and connects to the Kingsport Greenbelt trail system. It provides a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, as well as cultural and ecological features.
“We are excited to partner with the City of Kingsport on our second BlueCross Healthy Place in the area, and we’re looking forward to beginning construction. Riverwalk Park gives us a unique opportunity to provide residents from all walks of life with a space for connection and healthy activity,” said Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation.
The BlueCross Foundation is providing $6.5 million for this project build and an additional $1.3 million for a maintenance fund, bringing the total investment to $7.8 million. This is the second BlueCross Healthy Place in the city, following the BlueCross Healthy Place at the Kingsport Miracle League Complex, which opened in 2020.
“We are extremely humbled and honored to have been selected for a BlueCross Healthy Place grant,” said Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt. “The future BlueCross Healthy Place at Riverwalk Park will be in an ideal location along the Greenbelt and will feature sports courts, river access and a play area. This investment will add yet another attraction along the 11-mile Greenbelt while also serving as a catalyst towards the city’s efforts to improve and protect Riverfront Park. I know our residents and visitors will enjoy this space for years to come.”
The City of Kingsport applied for BlueCross Healthy Place funding with the aim of expanding amenities and programming in the popular space, providing new opportunities for residents across the city.
Features in the space will include:
- Inclusive play area
- Community pavilions
- Sports courts
- Splash pad
- Fitness area
- Recreational water access
- Restrooms
To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $60 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are now 25 projects open or in progress statewide with more on the way.
For more on the BlueCross Healthy Place program, see BlueCrossHealthyPlaces.com.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s news center at bcbstnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. It has awarded $120 million in grants since 2005. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.