2025 investments total $10 million, will develop and revitalize community spaces in Chattanooga, Erwin and Henning
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has announced it is investing in three new BlueCross Healthy Place projects in 2025.
Established in 2018, the BlueCross Healthy Place program creates and revitalizes public spaces that encourage neighbors to come together, connect with one another and enjoy healthy activity. Since the program launched, its 23 open parks have received more than 3 million visits.
The 2025 investments total just over $10 million and bring much-needed assets to communities across the state.
“Our goal with the BlueCross Healthy Place program has always been to bring people together, in communities of all sizes, all across our state,” said Chelsea Johnson, director of Community Relations for BlueCross. “Our 2025 investments will help to improve lives in each one of these communities, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to make these spaces a reality.”
The three 2025 BlueCross Healthy Place projects are:
BlueCross Healthy Place at Fishery Park – Erwin
The town of Erwin in Northeast Tennessee was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The BlueCross Foundation is investing $7.2 million in the BlueCross Healthy Place at Fishery Park to support the community’s efforts to rebuild. The new space will include:
- Improved baseball field
- Splash pad
- Play pockets
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- New basketball court
- Improved sand volleyball court
- New field
- Dog park
- Shelters and shade structures
- New sidewalk trail connectors
“My vision for Fishery Park began in 2019 with the goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive space where families, individuals and visitors could connect with nature, enjoy recreational opportunities and build community,” said Tim Bailey, Erwin town recorder. “Despite the setbacks and challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene, the community has remained committed to revitalizing this cherished space. With the BlueCross Healthy Place funding, we have the opportunity to fully realize the vision that began years ago, creating a space that not only recovers from adversity but thrives as a hub for health, wellness and community connection.”
BlueCross Healthy Place at the Chattanooga Airport – Chattanooga
The BlueCross Healthy Place at the Chattanooga Airport will benefit air travelers, as well as residents of the city’s Shepherd, Brainerd, Brainerd Hills and Woodmore neighborhoods. The BlueCross Foundation is investing $1.44 million in the project, which will include:
- Signature aviation-themed play area
- Lawn/observation area
- Community pavilions
- Bike racks
- Parking lot
- Benches and picnic tables
- Landscaping
“Restoring a dedicated observation area at the Chattanooga Airport is deeply meaningful to us – it honors a beloved tradition and brings back a long-missed connection between our community and the magic of aviation,” said April Cameron, Chattanooga Airport president and CEO. “This new space will give families, students and aviation enthusiasts a front-row seat to the excitement of flight, while providing a peaceful place to gather.”
BlueCross Healthy Place at Henning Park – Henning
The town of Henning in West Tennessee is expected to undergo significant expansion over the next several years, and the BlueCross Healthy Place at Henning Park will provide the area with a community space to accommodate its growth. The BlueCross Foundation is investing $1.44 million in the project, and features will include:
- Inclusive play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12
- Adult fitness equipment
- Community pavilion
- Sidewalk
- Landscaping
“This investment by the BlueCross Foundation will benefit the residents of Henning by providing a healthy outdoor space and serve as a catalyst for the town’s revitalization,” said Isa Reeb, consultant with West TN Planning. “As we engaged the community for the town’s master plan, we saw both the need and the opportunity for parks and youth facilities to help bring Main Street back to its former glory. We are so excited for the residents to have a safe neighborhood park to gather, exercise and play, and to see a great organization care about their health and well-being.”
To date, the BlueCross Foundation has invested $70 million in BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state. There are now 28 projects open or in progress statewide with more on the way.
For more on the BlueCross Healthy Place program, see BlueCrossHealthyPlacesTN.com.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's news center at bcbstnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation’s funding is separate from health plan operations and must be used to benefit Tennessee communities. It has awarded $120 million in grants since 2005 and provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
The BlueCross and BlueShield Association is an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250429817205/en/
“Our goal with the BlueCross Healthy Place program has always been to bring people together, in communities of all sizes, all across our state. Our 2025 investments will help to improve lives in each one of these communities."
Contacts
Amanda Haskew
423-326-5650