BlueCross BlueShield Foundation invests $7.8 million for Kingsport park

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has announced a $7.8 million investment for improvements to Kingsport’s Riverwalk Park.

Plans for the BlueCross Blue Shield Healthy Space include three pickleball courts, a play area and a kayak/canoe launch ramp.

BlueCross Foundation Director Chelsea Johnson said the organization is excited to partner with the City of Kingsport for the second time.

“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,” Johnson said.

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The foundation’s funding will include $6.5 million towards the park improvements and an additional $1.3 million for ongoing maintenance.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation Manager Kitty Frazier told News Channel 11 the improvements will enhance access to the city’s Greenbelt and the Holston River.

“People have will have an opportunity to use the ten-mile greenway or stop along the way, take a rest, do something fun, do something along the way as they go on the Greenbelt or vice versa,” Frazier said. “It creates a nice pocket space for people to access the Greenbelt and access the park.

Kingsport applied for the project last fall. Johnson told News Channel 11 they were excited to work with Kingsport again after opening one of their first Healthy Places at Kingsport Miracle Field in 2020.

“We had a number of site visits,” Johnson said. “We saw where they wanted to do water entry for sports like kayaks and canoes and bring a well-utilized space now to be even more of a community asset.”

Frazier said the park will open by spring of 2025 with construction to begin this summer.

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