$7.2 million investment will develop public space as community recovers from Hurricane Helene
ERWIN, Tenn. — Representatives from the Town of Erwin and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation recently gathered to break ground on the new BlueCross Healthy Place at Fishery Park.
The Erwin community was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, and this project represents a milestone in the area’s recovery. The BlueCross Foundation is investing $7.2 million in the BlueCross Healthy Place at Fishery Park to support the community’s efforts to rebuild. The space will include:
- New basketball court
- New field
- New sidewalk trail connectors
- Amphitheater stage
- Improved baseball field
- Splash pad
- Play pockets
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Improved sand volleyball court
- Dog park
- Shelters and shade structures
“My vision for Fishery Park began in 2019 with the goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive space where families, individuals, and visitors could connect with nature, enjoy recreational opportunities and build community,” said Tim Bailey, Erwin town recorder. “Despite the setbacks and challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene, the community has remained committed to revitalizing this cherished space. With the BlueCross Healthy Place funding, we have the opportunity to fully realize the vision that began years ago, creating a space that not only recovers from adversity but thrives as a hub for health, wellness and community connection.”
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 Chelsea Johnson, director of community relations for BlueCross. “We are proud to partner with the Town of Erwin on the Fishery Park project and to support the community’s next chapter.”
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.