Beginning January 5, residents who live on Watauga Street and in the nearby neighborhoods may notice survey crews working along the street.

These crews are working to identify the right-of-way on Watauga Street and will be marking it with stakes. This work is the necessary first step in Atmos Energy’s continued gas line upgrade along Watauga Street.

This gas line upgrade is scheduled to begin on January 5 and will be performed in two phases over the next six months. The first three-month phase will take place from the Watauga Street roundabout to Linville Street, and the second three-month phase will take place from Linville Street to Lamont Street.

Most of the work will take place between the sidewalk and the roadway, but some obstructions may mandate crews to work behind the sidewalk but still inside the public right-of-way. The right-of-way will be restored with seed and straw when the work is completed.

Motorists are urged to use caution during this time and be on the lookout for flagmen in the work zones. No road closures are expected.

For more information about this project, please contact Operations Supervisor John Bradley at 423-791-4996.

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is blasting and building its way into the new year by offering a special one-day Fortnite tournament next month.

The tournament will take place at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street) on January 2 beginning at 10 a.m. The event is open to players ages 7 to 17 and the entry free is $10 per player.

Participants will compete on the Playstation 5 and XBOX Series X and are encouraged to show up wearing their favorite pair of pajamas. You can bring your own controller or use one supplied by Kingsport Parks and Recreation.

The Fortnite tournament will guarantee three games, taking the total points from eliminations, placement, and wins to determine the winner.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3KsOGNc. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or by going to www.kingsporttn.gov and clicking on the “CivicRec” link, then searching for “fortnite” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Boxing can be a new and exciting way to get in shape and stay healthy. Not only can boxing improve your heart health and boost your endurance, but the sport also improves balance, helps with weight management and enhances your mental health.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering a Boxing for Fitness program next month at the Lynn View Community Center (257 Walker Street). The program is a beginner’s fitness class with a specialization in boxing.

A certified instructor will teach participants the fundamentals and foundations of boxing. There will be no contact between the participants and gloves will be provided.

Classes will take place on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. from January 10 through February 14 (except January 24). The program is open for participants ages 18 and older and costs $50 for city residents and $60 for non-city residents.

“Boxing is not your typical fitness activity, which is why you should consider signing up for the program today,” said Program Coordinator Michael Morris. “Boxing is both rewarding and enjoyable, as you improve your cardio, your strength and your reflexes all at the same time.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4pQEWLB. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “boxing” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, events and activities from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Kingsport offices will be closed during the Christmas holiday – December 24 and December 25 – and the New Year’s holiday – January 1.

The garbage and trash collection routes for the holiday season are as follows:

• December 22 through December 24 – no changes to the collection routes.
• December 25 – no collection on this day.
• December 25 routes will be collected on December 26.
• December 26 routes will be collected on December 27.
• January 1 – no changes to the collection routes.

Kingsport’s demolition landfill will be closed December 24 and 25 and January 1. The convenience center (300 Industry Drive) will be closed December 25, but open December 24 and January 1 from 7:30 am to 12:30 p.m.

Kingsport’s sanitation crews will be picking up extra items associated with gift giving – such as boxes and bags of wrapping paper/ribbon/bows – from December 29 through January 2. Place these items on the curb three to four feet away from the cart on your garbage collection day.

For more information about Kingsport’s sanitation services, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.

The 100-Mile Swim Club is planning to hit the trail next year and take an aquatic journey along one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the world.

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is pleased to announce its latest destination for the 100-Mile Swim Club – The Appalachian Trail. The challenge calls for club members to work together by “traveling” on a 2,194-mile journey from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine.

As our swimmers progress, they “travel” through diverse landscapes and elevations through 14 different states.

“The 100-Mile Swim Club is an excellent way to motivate yourself to get active in the new year,” said Aquatics Program Coordinator Madison Gump. “Join us as we swim, track progress, and celebrate milestones while journeying—stroke by stroke—through the entire Appalachian Trail.”

The challenge is scheduled to run from January 1 through December 31, 2026. Registrations are now being accepted, and the cost is $15 for Kingsport Aquatic Center and Kingsport Senior Center members and $25 for YMCA and non-members.

All participants will receive a 2026 100-Mile Swim Club t-shirt, and anyone can join at any time throughout the year.

To register, visit the front desk at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, call 423-343-9758 or visit www.kingsporttn.gov, click the “CivicRec” link and then select the “Aquatic Center” tab.

Formed in 2016, the 100-Mile Swim Club aims to build and strengthen the swimming community through group challenges while learning fun facts about landmarks along the way. Club members will swim at their own pace, KAC staff keeps track of individuals’ miles and the club’s collective progress, while a map in the lobby displays the entire route.

For information on other events, programs and classes at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, please visit www.swimkingsport.com.