The Kingsport Aquatic Center is happy to welcome guests back for its popular Lazy River water aerobics class beginning today, June 15.

This class will take place outside in the ECU Lazy River, where participants will exercise against and with the current of the river.

“This class is a favorite,” said Director Kari Matheney. “The Lazy River is also an ideal place for us to start with water aerobics classes, since it’s outside and allows plenty of room for participants to spread out and socially distance.”

In June, the Lazy River class is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:30 and 9:45 a.m. Guests must pre-register for class by calling the KAC front desk at 423-343-9758. Water Aerobics classes are $6 for KAC/YMCA members, $5 for members of the Kingsport Senior Center and $8 for non-members.

Please note that locker rooms are still closed at this time, so guests should arrive ready to swim. Locker rooms will not be available for changing after class, either, but bathrooms and on deck showers are open.

This class comes as part of the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s phased reopening. Guests can also reserve lane time for lap swim and individual water aerobics in three pools—the HMG Pool, PCF Warm Pool, and new outdoor pool—by calling the front desk.

For more information about how to reserve your class spot or lane time, please visit swimkingsport.com.

City encourages only those who wish to comment on agenda items to attend

The business meeting for the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen on June 16, 2020, will allow a limited number of public to attend to comment on agenda items. However, residents wishing to make comments on agenda items are strongly encouraged to use email or the below link to a google form to share their thoughts.

If citizens would like to attend the meeting, held in City Hall at 7:00 p.m., the courtroom has a limited physical capacity of 16. Once the courtroom is full, the public is welcome to wait in the lobby until it is their turn to give their public comment.

Citizens that attend are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and wear their masks during the course of the meeting.

The meeting will be available via livestream on the city website (www.kingsporttn.gov). Viewers can watch by clicking on the ‘Livestream Video’ box on the homepage. The meeting will also air on Charter channel 192.

The meeting audio will be posted to the city website within two days of the meeting.

Google form link for BMA comments: https://bit.ly/BMA_June16_2020. This form will be open until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

Email submission form: Comments or Questions. This form can also be found on the city website in the footer, titled Contact Us.

Please direct any questions to 423-440-0442.

Calling all artists, artisans, creatives, and craftspeople of all trades! Applications are being taken for those wishing to exhibit in this 3-day event, taking place on November 13^th to 15^th at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium.

“The Christmas Connection – Artistic Creations Fair” is sponsored by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and is celebrating its 41st year of artistic creations in 2020!  A very well established cultural event in Kingsport, the event hosts the region’s best craftspeople, artisans, artists, and creatives.  People from our region and beyond look forward to The Christmas Connection year after year.

Application deadline is July 1. There is no cost to apply. Christmas Connection is by invitation only.  All applications are reviewed by a selection committee, taking various factors into consideration in order to create a high quality, attractive show having a good mix of artistic and crafting creations.

This year’s Christmas Connection will take place the second weekend in November, due to elections being held the first week at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium.

DATES/HOURS:

FREE Admission to the public!

Fri. Nov. 13:  12Noon – 7PM

Sat. Nov. 14:  10AM – 5PM

Sun. Nov. 15:  12Noon – 4PM

Applications deadline is July 1, 2020.

To access the vendor application from the city website, and for more information visit https://arts.KingsportTN.gov

Vendor Application: https://arts.KingsportTN.gov/2020-christmas-connection-applications/

City encourages only those who wish to comment on agenda items attend

The business meeting for the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen, which will be held on June 2, 2020, will allow a limited number of public to attend to comment on public hearing and agenda items. However, citizens wishing to make comments on agenda items are encouraged to email, write or use the below link to a google form to share their thoughts.

If citizens would like to attend the meeting, the courtroom has a limited physical capacity of 16. Once the courtroom is full, the public is welcome to wait in the lobby until it is their turn to give their public comment.

Citizens that attend are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and wear their masks during the course of the meeting.

The meeting will be available via livestream on the city website (www.kingsporttn.gov). Viewers can watch by clicking on the ‘Livestream Video’ box on the homepage. The meeting will also air on Charter channel 192.

The meeting audio will be posted to the city website within two days of the meeting.

Email submission form: Comments or Questions

Google form link for BMA comments: https://bit.ly/BMA_June2_2020

Please direct any questions to 423-440-0442.

On Monday, June 1, Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium will reopen the Nature Center and resume some programming, both at limited capacity. Park trails and the animal habitat area are and have been open.

“We want to thank everyone for your support and understanding these past few months,” Park Manager Rob Cole said, “and we ask that you continue to be patient as we take these first steps toward normal operations.”

Beginning June 1, only 20 guests will be allowed in the Nature Center at a time.

• Only the upper level and gift shop area will be accessible.
• Guests should follow the designated flow of traffic through the Nature Center and keep visits brief so that others can enter.
• Bays Mountain recommends guests wear a mask when visiting the Nature Center.
• Maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others and wash hands frequently.

Nature programs and barge rides will also resume June 1.

• Programs and barge rides are limited to 9 participants (plus program leader).
• At this time, the planetarium, adventure course and zip line remain closed.

If you feel sick or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, BMP asks that for your safety and that of staff and others visitors, do not visit the park at this time.

All visitors will need to stop at the gate when entering the park, as is normal park policy, beginning June 1. As a reminder, park entry is $5 per vehicle or free to park members who show their membership card.

At this time, all Nature Programs will be held outdoors (weather permitting). Programs are $3 per person or free for park members. Barge rides will be held weather permitting and are $5 per person or free for park members. Tickets are available in the Nature Center the day of the program. Guests should arrive early to ensure plenty of time to get tickets.

Nature Center Hours and Program Times

Nature Center Hours
Monday – Friday              9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday     11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Nature Programs
Monday – Friday              10:30 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m

Barge Rides
Monday – Friday              10:30 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday     1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

On June 1, the park will resume rentals of the Pavilion at Lilypad Cove to groups not exceeding 10 people. No other facilities will be available for rent at this time.

Bays Mountain is committed to the health and safety of both guests and park staff. The park is following recommendations and best practices from the CDC, the Sullivan County Regional Health Department and Tennessee Pledge. BMP will continue to monitor any developments on the COVID-19 pandemic and how these might affect operations.

For more information on Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, please visit baysmountain.com or call (423)229-9447.