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Officials Break Ground on BCBSTN Healthy Places Park

      Communications Director

      Kristin Farley
      [email protected]
      (865) 215-2589

      400 Main St., Room 691
      Knoxville, TN 37902

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      Officials Break Ground on Healthy Places Park

      Posted: 08/25/2022
      Representatives from the City of Knoxville and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation broke ground on the BlueCross Healthy Place at Morningside Park in East Knoxville on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. 

      The 36-acre park, located adjacent to downtown, is surrounded by university and multi-family apartments, as well as a high-rise community for seniors, including those with disabilities. Two elementary schools are also within walking distance. The park sits on a city bus line, making it easily accessible to visitors from other areas of the city.

      BlueCross Healthy Places are designed to strengthen communities across Tennessee by providing neighbors with spaces for connection and healthy activity.

      The BlueCross Foundation is providing $4.6 million for the project build and an additional $920,000 for a maintenance fund, bringing the total investment to $5,520,000.

      “Morningside Park is one of the largest parks in Knoxville, and we’re hopeful with these much-needed upgrades, more people will be able to enjoy this tree-lined treasure near downtown,” said Sheryl Ely, parks and recreation director for the City of Knoxville. “New playground and fitness equipment will add something for people of all ages to enjoy, and the addition of restrooms will make it a great space for local neighborhood groups to gather. We are excited and appreciative of the grant from the BlueCross Foundation for helping to make this all possible.”

      The City of Knoxville applied for the BlueCross Healthy Place grant with assistance from the Legacy Parks Foundation. Knoxville-based landscape architecture firm Ross/Fowler created conceptual designs of the space for the submission.

      Features in the new space will include:

      • Multipurpose field with bleachers
      • Playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12
      • Challenge course
      • 40-yard dash
      • Fitness area
      • Walking trail
      • Community pavilion
      • Play areas and challenge courses will be constructed with accessible poured-in-place surfacing for visitors of all abilities.

      To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $34.8 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are 16 projects open statewide with more on the way.

      For more on the BlueCross Healthy Place program, see BlueCrossHealthyPlaces.com.
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