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Bays Mountain Park is partnering with a local yoga instructor to offer residents a yoga class later this month to celebrate Earth Day.
The Earth Day yoga class will be held at the Pavilion at Lily Pad Cove from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on April 21. The class will start promptly at 3 p.m.
Enjoy challenging your body in active poses that build strength through concentric, eccentric and isometric muscle contractions in a flow format (first 30 minutes). Balance and flexibility will also be emphasized. The final half of the class will feature restorative yoga poses and will end with a relaxation section.
The cost is $6 per person and class size is limited to 12 people. Participants of all levels are welcome to attend. Wear exercise clothing and bring your own mat and water bottle with a sealable lid.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3voVWSx. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “yoga” in the search bar.
For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Bays Mountain Park, visit www.baysmountain.com.
As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.
The following article discusses the importance of manufactured treatment devices and the role they play in removing pollutants from stormwater.
Hidden beneath stormwater manholes, along streets or in parking lots, are units that filter stormwater before it enters our waterways.
These units are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM), but more specifically are a Manufactured Treatment Device (MTD). These devices are designed to remove a variety of pollutants, including sediment, nutrients, oils, grease, and litter, by settling out and capturing.
Water quality units are ideal in an urban setting where there is not enough space for larger stormwater control measures.
These units contain a hydrodynamic separator, which can separate out pollutants by creating a swirling action or using gravity and sediment chambers. Hydrodynamic separators may have the following basic components:
- An inlet pipe, where stormwater enters the unit.
- An outlet pipe, where stormwater exits the unit.
- Screens or filters to collect debris.
- Sediment chambers or treatment chambers.
- An access hatch with a removable manhole cover.
Water quality units may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. Units should be annually inspected and professionally cleaned out with a vacuum truck. The unit should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you have a concern about a specific water quality unit in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov. You can also report any possible issues with water quality unit by using the ConnectKingsport app.
As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.
The following article discusses the features of green roofs and the environmental benefits they provide to the community.
Unless you have an aerial view of your community, you may not notice whether or not a building has a green roof. And no, we’re not talking about the color of the shingles.
A green roof is a Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) where a roof is partially or completely covered with a lightweight growing medium and vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane. The roof could also include a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems for better protection and longevity.
Green Roofs are designed to absorb water during a rain event and thereby reduce the amount of stormwater run-off from the roof. Green roofs also improve the aesthetics of an urban environment, capture airborne pollutants and provide space for community gardens and recreation.
Most green roofs have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:
- Plant layer – Various species of plants that can withstand sunny, dry conditions.
- Growing medium – Soil that supports the plants and allows rainwater to infiltrate.
- Drainage and filtration layer – To allow excess water to leave the soil.
- Protection and storage layer – To provide additional water storage and a root barrier.
- Waterproofing and insulation layer – To keep water from leaking into the building.
- Outlet structure – To allow water to exit the roof via gutters and downspouts.
Green roofs may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.
The vegetation should be maintained. Weeds, invasive species and dead plants should be removed, and the plants should be watered during periods of drought.
Trash and debris should be removed from the planting area. Gutters, roof drains and outlet structures should be kept clear, and the roof system should be checked for ponding water, leaks, or damage. The green roof should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you have a concern about a specific green roof in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454.
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The Kingsport Senior Center is hosting a one-day Spring Artisan Fair this month, showcasing the artistic creations of our local senior citizens.
The fair will take place in the atrium at the senior center (1200 E. Center Street) on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Come out to the senior center and enjoy browsing through the many baskets, greeting cards, woodworking items, hand sewn and crocheted items, and much more for sale. All of these handcrafted items were made by our wonderful Kingsport Senior Artisans.
For more information about the event call (423) 765-9047. For information about other events, activities and programs at the Kingsport Senior Center, please visit seniors.kingsporttn.gov.
As part of the permitting process, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation mandates the City of Kingsport offer educational and outreach activities regarding stormwater, the city’s various control measures and why those measures are important to the general public.
The following article discusses stormwater detention ponds, their components and the purpose they serve for residents and businesses.
Have you ever noticed large dry ponds near subdivisions or shopping centers? These are called detention basins and are a type of Stormwater Control Measure (SCM).
These basins are specifically designed to hold rainwater for up to three days and thereby prevent the flooding of the surrounding area.
Most detention basins have the same basic components to help them function properly, including:
- Inlets – ditches or pipes that convey drainage into the ponds from the surrounding area during a rain.
- Outlet Structure – allows water to exit the basin at a specific flow rate.
- Emergency Spillway – in case the basin should fill up from an unusually large rain event.
The main basin area is covered by grass or other vegetation to stabilize the soil, while the sides of the pond are called embankments and are also vegetated to prevent erosion.
Detention basins may be inspected by the local municipality to ensure they are functioning correctly. However, all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.
In order for the detention basin to work efficiently, vegetation should be mowed at least twice a year, and the vegetation should be thick and healthy and not include shrubs or trees. All trash, debris and sediment should be removed from the pond at regular intervals and any areas of erosion should be repaired.
The outlet structure should also be free of mud, debris and trash. Inlet pipes should be checked for clogs and inlet ditches should be checked for erosion. The basin should be observed during and after rain events to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you have a concern about a specific detention basin in Kingsport, you may call Water Services at 423-229-9454 or email wsengineers@kingsporttn.gov. You can also report any possible issues with detention basins by using the ConnectKingsport app.
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The Kingsport Fire Department responded to more than 8,000 incidents during 2023, with a majority of the calls being medical related. Structure and vehicle fires were comparable to the previous year and fortunately, no fire related deaths occurred within the city in 2023.
The Kingsport Fire Department recently issued its annual report, which gives a breakdown of the types and number of incidents firefighters responded to last year and how those numbers have changed since 2022.
The report also gives a brief history of the department, the highlights and major accomplishments of the previous year, along with the short term and long term goals of the department.
“We’re pleased with a number of accomplishments we made last year, including putting two new engines into service and ordering a new ladder truck to replace aging apparatus,” said Kingsport Fire Chief Scott Boyd. “These state-of-the-art vehicles will allow our firefighters to respond to a variety of incidents with all of the equipment they need to save lives and protect property.”
Major accomplishments by the KFD in 2023:
- Placed into service two new Pierce Velocity Engines at Fire Station #1.
- Partnered with the Dobyns-Bennett High School Fire Science program.
- Ordered a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing.
- Ordered a new hazmat truck with funding assistance from Sullivan County.
- Purchased and placed into service three new heart monitors and 15 SCBA units.
- Hosted the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association’s quarterly meeting.
- Restored the 1917 American LaFrance fire engine to operating condition.
Statistical information:
- Firefighters responded to 8,114 incidents.
- Number of structure fires – 113 (estimated loss $1.37 million)
- Number of vehicle fires – 45 (estimated loss $513,000)
- Number of medical calls – 5,935
- Number of fire related deaths – 0
- Number of inspections – 2,309
- Average response time – 5:15
- Total fire loss – nearly $1.9 million
Last year, nearly 41,000 adults and children participated in Kingsport Fire Department Community Risk Reduction (CRR) presentations and activities. The KFD also inspected and helped properly install 332 child passenger seats for families.
Kingsport is one of 32 communities across the state that enjoys an ISO rating of 2. Only seven communities in Tennessee have an ISO rating of 1.
As of December 2023, the Kingsport Fire Department had 122 personnel working in eight fire stations, serving a population of more than 55,400 residents living within 54 square miles.
Summer is the season of swimming and now is the perfect time to purchase your season pass for the Kingsport Aquatic Center.
If you’re only planning to visit the Kingsport Aquatic Center during the summer, then have we got a plan for you. Our season pass entitles you to use the indoor pools and outdoor water park during the summer season.
The outdoor water park will open the weekend of May 18-19 and then be open daily from May 25 through August 2. Then, from August 3 through September 1, the outdoor water park will only be open on the weekends with the last day of operation being September 2.
Season pass holders and Kingsport Aquatic Center members also have early access to the Outdoor Water Park 30 minutes before the regular opening time (except Sundays). Season pass prices are as follows:
- Lil’ Splasher (Under 48″) $100
- Bigger Splasher (48″ & Taller) $125
- Master Splasher (Age 55+) $100
- Splash Pack $250
-4 person household; $15 extra person within same household
2024 Outdoor Water Park Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Wednesday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: noon – 6 p.m.
Season passes and memberships can be purchased at www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then select “Aquatic Center” from the list. You can also purchase season passes and memberships in person at the KAC front desk.
To learn more about season pass and membership benefits, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.