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BlueCross Healthy Places coming to Erwin, Chattanooga, and Henning

Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy Place

The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has announced it is investing in three new BlueCross Healthy Place projects located in Erwin, Chattanooga, and Henning.  

“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." 

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.”  

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. 

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