Bays Mountain Park unveils comprehensive Park Improvement Plan
The City of Kingsport has unveiled its Park Improvement Plan for Bays Mountain Park – a plan that aims to complete the renovations of the Nature Center, improve the animal habitats and enhance the overall aesthetics of the park.
Over the past year, two architectural consultants – Coyle & Caron Landscape and Collective Architecture Company – worked for approximately one year on crafting the plan, which the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on March 19.
The 48-page plan focuses on the Nature Center, animal habitats and adjacent spaces, while providing a long-term framework for future improvements at Bays Mountain Park over the next 10 to 15 years.
“The plan not only gives us guidance for the long-term improvement of Bays Mountain Park, but it can also help us with securing grants, which will allow us to do even more things at the park,” said Park Manager Megan Krager.
Some of the key goals of the Park Improvement Plan include:
- Updating and modernizing the animal habitats.
- Improving the arrival sequence, wayfinding, trail access and connectivity.
- Enhancing the overall aesthetics of the park.
- Better understanding what park users want.
- Developing a cohesive and actionable plan.
Kingsport began its first phase of Nature Center improvements last fall with work expected to wrap up this spring. Crews installed new flooring and lighting throughout the main floor gallery, expanded the gift shop, renovated employee offices and created a new, more pronounced entrance to the planetarium.
The renovations were made possible through a generous donation of $1 million from the James and Laura Rogers Foundation during the 50th anniversary of Bays Mountain Park.
These dollars will also help Kingsport apply for an additional $2.8 million in state recreation grant funds. If secured, the grant will allow Kingsport to fund a new entry way to the Nature Center, a new event terrace area, additional interior renovations and a new otter habitat.
Sponsors for Phase 2 improvements include Eastman Credit Union, Knoxville TVA Credit Union and the Kingsport Community Foundation.
To view the entire Park Improvement Plan, please visit https://bit.ly/3TBfqvw.