$750,000 investment from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation provides new community space
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Residents of Johnson City and representatives of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation recently gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Kiwanis Park.
The City of Johnson City applied for the BlueCross Healthy Place grant, looking to provide residents with a new community space. In their grant proposal, they shared about the impact a BlueCross Healthy Place would have on the area. “This project will allow for a multi-generational complex in an area of Johnson City that is close to several schools and neighborhoods. The complex is easily accessible and visible from a busy thoroughfare that runs through the city.”
Grant applicants were invited to choose from six project packages based on the needs of their communities. Johnson City selected the Community Hub package, and features in the new space include:
- Community pavilion
- Play area for ages 2-5
- Play area for ages 5-12
- Fitness stations
- Swing set
The Johnson City project is one of 10 the BlueCross Foundation has funded in celebration of the company’s 75th anniversary, bringing the total statewide investment to $7.5 million for 2021.
Additional 2021 BlueCross Healthy Place sites include:
- Chattanooga: St. Elmo Park
- Shelbyville: H.V. Griffin Park
- Memphis: Foote Park
- Alamo: Crockett County High School
- Farragut: Town Hall Park – currently open
- Baxter: Baxter Seminary Park – currently open
- Murfreesboro: Barfield Crescent Park – currently open
- Woodlawn: Woodlawn Park – currently open
- Paris: Eiffel Tower Park – currently open
“BlueCross has always been focused on serving our neighbors, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 75th anniversary than by giving Tennesseans more spaces to connect with one another and pursue healthy activities together,” said Chelsea Johnson, director of the BlueCross Foundation. “We look forward to helping these communities provide new amenities for all residents to enjoy.”
There are 11 BlueCross Healthy Places already open statewide, with more underway. With the addition of the new projects for 2021, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $31.7 million in 17 community spaces across the state.
For additional information about 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.