Ribbon Cutting at Preston Forest Park

Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Preston Forest Park on May 25 at 6 p.m.

The event is to celebrate all of the improvements made at the park in recent years through the use of a state grant, city funds and volunteer efforts. Preston Forest Park is located at 2665 Suffolk Street.

The Preston Forest Community Association conveyed the three-acre park to the City of Kingsport nearly a decade ago. At that time, the park included a basketball court, open green space, a picnic pavilion and a small playground.

In the years since, the City of Kingsport made improvements to the park through the use of a $250,000 Local Park and Recreation Fund grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The City of Kingsport matched this grant with $250,000 and used the funds to make improvements to Borden Park and Preston Forest Park.

Improvements to Preston Forest Park included a walking trail around the park, lighted parking lot, water fountain/refill station, picnic tables, trash receptacles, a kiosk, park grill, bike rack and additional playground equipment.

Kingsport also refurbished the basketball court, swing set and soccer area, landscaped the property and enhanced the electric service within the park.

In addition, the Preston Forest Homeowners Association refurbished the gazebo sign, helped with landscaping and provided a Christmas holiday event. Keep Kingsport Beautiful provided trees and the Kingsport Public Library provided a storybook walk. For more information visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.