Updated community space brings new amenities to riverfront
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Representatives from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation and the City of Kingsport recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the 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.
The project is the second BlueCross Healthy Place in the city, following the BlueCross Healthy Place at the Kingsport Miracle League Complex, which opened in 2020. Amenities in the space include:
- Kayak launch (the first in a BlueCross Healthy Place)
- Accessible play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12
- Splash pad
- Community pavilions
- Adult fitness area
- Walking trails
- Pickleball courts
- Basketball hoop wall
- New parking lot
“The City of Kingsport is proud to partner with the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation for yet another incredible BlueCross Healthy Place within our city,” said Kingsport Mayor Paul W. Montgomery. “These spaces are centered around building community, which is a strong priority for our city. I look forward to our residents and visitors enjoying this space not only for the upcoming summer months, but also for the years to come.”
“We know our neighbors in Kingsport have been looking forward to opening the BlueCross Healthy Place at Riverwalk Park, and we have, too,” added Dalya Qualls White, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation. “These spaces are all about bringing neighbors together, and Riverwalk Park has provided us with a unique opportunity to enhance offerings for residents from all walks of life. We can’t wait for community members to begin enjoying the space.”
To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $70 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are 28 projects open or in progress statewide with more on the way.
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 80 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.