New space will include observation area, play area and more
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Representatives from the Chattanooga Airport, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation and local officials recently gathered to break ground on the new BlueCross Healthy Place at the Chattanooga Airport.
The space, located opposite the airport’s runways, will benefit aviation enthusiasts, as well as residents of the city’s Shepherd, Brainerd, Brainerd Hills and Woodmore neighborhoods. The BlueCross Foundation’s investment will add:
- Custom aviation-themed play area
- Lawn/observation area
- Parking lot
- Benches and picnic tables
- Landscaping
“Restoring a dedicated observation area at the Chattanooga Airport is deeply meaningful to us— it honors a beloved tradition and brings back a long-missed connection between our community and the magic of aviation,” said April Cameron, Chattanooga Airport president and CEO. “This new space will give families, students and aviation enthusiasts a front-row seat to the excitement of flight, while providing a peaceful place to gather.”
Established in 2018, the BlueCross Healthy Place program creates and revitalizes public spaces that encourage neighbors to come together, connect with one another and enjoy healthy activity. Since the program launched, its open parks have received more than 3 million visits.
“Our goal with the BlueCross Healthy Place program has always been to bring people together, in communities of all sizes, all across our state,” said Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. “We’re excited to partner with the Chattanooga Airport on a space that will benefit area residents and support the airport’s growth and impact on our region.”
To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $70 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are now 28 projects open or in progress statewide with more on the way. The Foundation has a self-sustaining endowment, and no premium dollars paid for members’ plans are used to fund BlueCross Healthy Place projects.
For more on the BlueCross Healthy Place program, see BlueCrossHealthyPlacesTN.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. The foundation’s funding is separate from health plan operations and must be used to benefit Tennessee communities. It has awarded $120 million in grants since 2005 and provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.