The City of Kingsport, Tennessee, has announced a $7.8 million grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation to support the enhancement of a city park along the South Fork of the Holston River.

The gift includes $6.5 million for the BlueCross Healthy Place at Riverwalk Park as well as an additional $1.3 million for a maintenance fund. Designs are still in progress, but proposed features for the park include an inclusive play area, community pavilion, sports courts, water features, fitness area, recreational water access, and art installations.

The foundation has invested $59 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state, including a second located within Kingsport, the BlueCross Healthy Place at the Kingsport Miracle League Complex, which opened in 2020.

“We are excited to partner with the City of Kingsport on our second BlueCross Healthy Place in the area,” said BlueCross Foundation director Chelsea Johnson. “These spaces are all about bringing neighbors together, and Riverwalk Park provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance offerings for residents from all walks of life.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service/Jeff Vanuga)