BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation’s $5 million investment will revitalize space for CGLA, Chattanooga Prep and area residents
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation has unveiled its first BlueCross Healthy Place project in Chattanooga, to be located near the campuses of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and Chattanooga Preparatory School.
The site was chosen in response to a proposal organized by the Young Women’s Leadership Academy Foundation, and it will provide students from both schools, as well as area residents, with a new outdoor space designed for connection and recreation.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation is awarding $4.2 million to build out the new space and providing an $840,000 maintenance fund, bringing the total commitment to $5 million.
During an official unveiling on Thursday, May 16, Scott Wilson, director of community relations and foundation for BlueCross, presented renderings of features proposed for the new space, including:
- pavilion for community gatherings
- walking track and sports courts
- inclusive playgrounds for children 2-5 and 5-12
- 40-yard dash and challenge courses
- multi-purpose field with bleachers and concession area
“We want to thank BlueCross for the gift of our field of dreams,” said Dr. Sue Anne Wells, founder of CGLA. “We are excited to share our space with not only our campus partners, but the entire community. When we moved to our location on Bailey Avenue in 2011, our goal was to become a community partner in Highland Park. This project is beyond anything we could have dreamed of at the time.”
When complete, the BlueCross Healthy Place at Highland Park will be used by students but also open to the public.
“We are thrilled to see the development of this new space in our Highland Park community,” said Brad Scott , head of lower school at Chattanooga Preparatory.“It will be transformational for our student body as they gain access to what will be amazing landscaping and facilities. We are grateful to BlueCross for creating a green space for all community members to enjoy.”
BlueCross Healthy Place projects are underway in Memphis, Kingsport and Huntland, Tenn., but the Highland Park space will be the first in the Chattanooga area since the program began last year.
“It’s a wonderful partnership that will build on the great things already happening in Highland Park and these two schools.”“We’re excited to build a BlueCross Healthy Place right here in our hometown of Chattanooga,” said Wilson.
The application period for BlueCross Healthy Place grants is currently closed, but the foundation will accept proposals for 2020 funding during the month of August 2019.
For additional resources related to the BlueCross Healthy Place program, please visit https://bcbstnewscom.wpengine.com/mediaresources/bluecross-healthy-place-program.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on serving more than 3.5 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.bcbst.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.