Kingsport receives $7.8 million grant for enhancement of Riverwalk Park
The City of Kingsport has received a $7.8 million grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Foundation for the enhancement of a city park along the South Fork of the Holston River.
The BlueCross Healthy Place at Riverfront Park – an 8.8 acre park – is located near the intersection of Netherland Inn Road and Industry Drive. Designs are still in progress, but the proposed features for Riverwalk Park include an inclusive play area, community pavilion, sports courts, water features, fitness area, recreational water access, art installations and restrooms. Construction is expected to begin later this summer.
The BlueCross Foundation is providing $6.5 million for the project and an additional $1.3 million for a maintenance fund, bringing the total investment to $7.8 million. This is the second BlueCross Healthy Place located within the city, with the first being 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 Chelsea Johnson, director of the BlueCross Foundation. “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.”
BlueCross Healthy Places are designed to strengthen communities across Tennessee by providing neighbors with spaces for connection and healthy activity.
“We are extremely humbled and honored to have been selected for a BlueCross Healthy Place grant,” said Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt. “This investment will add yet another attraction along the 11-mile Greenbelt while also serving as a catalyst towards the city’s efforts to improve and protect Riverfront Park. I know our residents and visitors will enjoy this space for years to come.”
The City of Kingsport applied for BlueCross Healthy Place funding with the aim of expanding amenities and programming in the popular space, while providing new opportunities for residents across the city.
To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $59 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are now 21 projects open statewide with more on the way.
For more information on the BlueCross Healthy Place program, see BlueCrossHealthyPlaces.com.
