The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation is bringing a BlueCross Healthy Place to Morningside Park in Knoxville.

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 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 Park Foundation. Knoxville-based landscape architecture firm Ross/Fowler created conceptual designs of the space for the submission.

Proposed features for the space, based on community needs, include:

• Multipurpose field with bleachers
• Playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12
• Challenge course
• 40-yard dash
• Fitness area
• Walking trail
• Two community pavilions

“When our team received the proposal for a BlueCross Healthy Place at Morningside Park, we were impressed and inspired by the diverse groups of residents the space will serve,” said Roy Vaughn, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation. “BlueCross Healthy Places are about bringing communities together and making them stronger – and that includes residents of all ages and abilities. We’re excited that this project will provide additional resources for our neighbors in Knoxville.”

BlueCross Healthy Place projects are currently underway in Chattanooga and Nashville. Four BlueCross Healthy Places are open in Memphis, Huntland, Kingsport and at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, Tenn. Although these spaces are open, they are abiding by local guidelines for access instituted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the BlueCross Foundation will announce 10 additional BlueCross Healthy Place projects in 2021.

Click here to view a Project Fact Sheet.